Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Ephesians chapter 4:
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
The word endeavor means: to exert oneself to do or effect something; make an effort. Keeping the unity of the Spirit is not a passive event but requires commitment on our part. Yes I know many have been burnt by various congregations of Christians who are more interested in compliance to their “way” rather than “The Way”. If you don’t comply with the vision of the pastor then you are separated out in a subtle fashion. I speak from experience. Unconditional Love was not found in most of the congregations. There might have been plenty of hope and faith but the one ingredient that makes it all work and brings forth unity just simply wasn’t there. If the “elders” don’t promote unconditional Love then how can the flock be held fully accountable?
The elders are called to serve the body, not the opposite. The body is called to an active endeavor of pursuing unity but cannot to do so if the elders fail to focus on this critical aspect of being “One Body”. I wonder if this is why we have so many church denominations and buildings in the U.S.? Could this be why half the country can’t accept a new administration?
Unity must begin with The Holy Spirit and then go horizontal to other people close to us. Husband and wife are surely high on the list of priorities. As my wife and I are in accord, things go better in all areas. When one of us was not at peace and the other forged ahead… not so good. We must realize that the Holy Spirit will minister to those around us when we are not hearing as well. It was best to do nothing when we at odds about a situation requiring commitment. It is better to wait and be patient than to fix what goes wrong because our ego wanted to move forward. Life is simpler when we walk in one accord.
Today my wife and I celebrate our 45th Anniversary and our pursuit of unity is at its best. There have been a few years I wish I could fix but I guess that is all part of the training. I include the following for those who are married or are considering marriage:
I Do
They are about to say “I Do”; three little letters, two little words.
It is the simplest part of the day but there is nothing simple about
the things that will remain unsaid.
I Do means: I Do know I could be hurt, but I am ready to be
healed with you.
It means I Do want to try even when the fear of failure holds me
back and I Do not know the future, but I am ready to be
surprised along the way; and I Do means I Do want your love
and I Do give you mine, and nothing we do will ever be the same
because you and I will be doing it all together.