WEEK 45, Day 7, Sunday, 8 November 2020

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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Sunday, 8 November 20:

Psalm 133:1 — Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

The mark of spiritual maturity is unity with Christ and with fellow Christians.  Supernatural unity in Christ demonstrates the power of God to the world and glorifies Him.  As mentioned previously, this unity was Jesus’ prayer for us to the Father – “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:22, 23) 

  – 1 Corinthians 1:10 — I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Those who are in Christ “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)  Conversely, the Bible says those who cause disunity are void of the Spirit – “It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.” (Jude 1:19) “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him.” (Titus 3:10)

Many call for unity around many ideas, organizations or people, but there is no real unity outside of unity in Christ – “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Luke 11:23)  “Woe to the shepherds who… scatter the sheep of my pasture!’ declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:1)

Unity in Christ puts to death all which divides the unbelieving world, and for those whose identity is in Christ, there is no consideration for identity politics – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 8 November 20:  Today, while so many are calling for unity around ideas and social identities, demonstrate unity in Christ, and proclaim unity in Christ alone.