"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" —Ephesians 4:3

There's a story told about a man who had been stranded alone on an island.  Finally discovered, his rescuers asked him about the three huts they saw there. He pointed and said, “This one is my home and that one is my church.” He then pointed to the third hut: “That was my former church.” Though we may laugh at the silliness of this story, it does highlight a concern about unity among believers.

Back in the time of the church of Ephesus and the apostle Paul, the church comprised of both rich and poor, Jews and Gentiles, men and women, masters and slaves. Likewise today, many of our churches are an amalgam of people of all ages, gender, ethnic origin and social standing, and where differences exist, so does friction. Paul was deeply concerned and wrote about this issue of unity. Observe what Paul said about this in Ephesians 4:3. He didn’t tell them to be “eager to produce or to organize unity.” He told them to endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Unity already exists because believers share one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all (vv.4-6).

Keeping the unity however, can be easier said than done, but if we ask, and trust, the Spirit will give us the power to react in love toward those with whom we disagree by expressing our different opinions and convictions with lowliness, gentleness, and patience (v.2).

Unity among believers comes from our personal relationship and union with Christ.

The letter to the Ephesians contains practical advice about following Christ. Today’s passage is a very clear admonition on what that entails.

In verse 1, Paul asks the believers in Ephesus to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.”

In verses 2-3, he explains just what that means: to be lowly and gentle, patient (longsuffering), “bearing with one another in love,” and “endeavoring to keep . . . the bond of peace.”

What happens in our relationship with Christ impacts our other relationships.  We are not stranded alone on an island.  Unity is strength, and strength is unity.  Together, shoulder to shoulder in faith, there is nothing we can't achieve.

There's an Ethiopian proverb that I think says all:  "When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion." 
Acknowledgments Albert Lee

The choice of music is "Loving God, Loving Each Other" - the Oak Ridge Boys.  Click on the picture to listen.