In Pursuit of Unity
by John Michalak
John 17:21-22
That they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one.
One.
God wants nothing more than for His children to unite in their love for Him and for each other.
The Bible emphasizes the interdependence between loving God and loving people. It says you can’t say you love God when you don’t love people. Likewise, loving people — all people, not just people who look like you and act like you and think like you — is essential to loving God. Each love depends on the other.
The same applies to unity. If you constantly struggle to walk in unity with people, you may need to focus more on seeking unity with God: walking in God’s ways, submitting your will to His, seeking to be one with Him. And vice-versa, if you find it hard to be one with God, perhaps you need to focus more on being flexible with people, walking in humility, and seeking agreement with others.
Jesus fervently pursued unity with God. But He never neglected inviting others to walk in unity as well. He humbled Himself before others so they might be one with God.
This should be the heart-cry of our lives — to be one with God. In this, our hearts can also be fulfilled through our unity with others.
Reflection
Do I put more effort into being one with God or one with people? I will pray for the balance and initiative to pursue both.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Please help me to pursue unity with You and with others. May I look at Your children and see our similarities, rather than focusing on our differences. Please save me from any tendency to be judgmental or proud. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
