Reading Plan:
Ephesians 4


Our Thoughts:
As I read through the first half of Ephesians chapter 4 a quote I read recently keeps ringing in my mind. “You don’t deserve much credit for unity if you never say anything a person could disagree with” - Will Mancini. As someone who loves maintaining peace and resolving issues, this is a constant tension. Any other Enneagram Nine’s out there with me? Unity is powerful when fought for, but it is impotent when forced.

The power of unity is essential for followers of Jesus. As Paul writes this letter to the believers in Ephesus, a slight shift begins to occur here in chapter 4. Most of the first three chapters are focused on right-thinking. Paul wants his readers to have the right understanding of who God is and who they are in Him. Chapters 4-6 however begin to focus on right-acting. The right understanding of who God is and who we are in Him changes how we interact with the world and with people around us. As this letter challenges us to evaluate our actions and habits, Paul starts by addressing our collective unity.

In the English Standard Version (the Bible translation that I read), the word “one” is used nine times in the first seven verses alone to talk about not only the unity of God but also the unity of God’s people. These verses hold a striking parallel to Jesus’ prayer in John 17. There Jesus extends one final prayer over the gathering of His disciples just minutes before He was arrested and His path to the cross began. In His prayer, Jesus speaks the truth of God’s oneness through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and through God’s oneness, He prays that His followers would be unified themselves. It is literally the prayer of Jesus that you and I would be unified in mind and purpose.

The Bible oftentimes uses the phrase “like-minded” to talk about the unity of God’s church. The idea is that we would have our minds set on the same thing, namely the glory and purpose of God. However, it is important that we understand that “like-minded” is very different than “like-life.” What I mean is that as we follow Jesus, we are called to be of one accord in our purpose, but that purpose is lived out differently according to what God has equipped us for. The beauty of God’s unified church is that it is a diverse unity. People from different backgrounds, with different stories, which look different, speak different, and sound different come together to worship one God and grow one kingdom.

As I reflect on the things, I am thankful for today, you certainly make the list. Even though you and I are likely very different in a lot of ways, I am thankful that God has united us in a common purpose. I am thankful that God has uniquely wired you and that he has uniquely wired me. I am thankful that God brings our uniqueness together for the good of His body, the church. I am thankful that when I look at who God has placed around me, I don’t see carbon copies. I am thankful for you and that we are together on this journey to see lives changed by His word.


More Questions:
• How has God uniquely gifted and called you to serve His purpose?
• What are you thankful for today?


Prayer:
As you are one, God, our prayer is that we will be one in you. Help us to lean into the tension and conflict to fight for unity so the world can see your goodness and power through your people.


Author: Kyle Warren