Jesus wants unity in His church. Here’s step one to achieving that …

The issue of unity in the church is a big deal. So much so, Jesus even prayed about it before the church existed!

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one — as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me,” John 17:20-21.

In harmony with the Lord, the Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter also called for unity in the body of Christ:

“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose,” 1 Corinthians 1:10.

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude,” 1 Peter 3:8.

Instead of local churches enjoying rich harmony as families of faith, we’ve just come through an extended season when internal church conflicts have escalated to such a degree that more than half of American ministers said they had considered — or still were considering — quitting vocational ministry.

The issue of unity in the church really is a big deal, and we need repent of our self-centered individualism and heed the call to be united in Christ.

And that’s how we can take the first serious step toward unity — tuning ourselves to Christ. This vital first step to unity was explained with a powerful illustration from the late preacher, A.W. Tozer:

“Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So, one hundred worshipers met together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become ‘unity’ conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship.”

The more in tune a disciple of Jesus is to his Lord, the more in tune we will be with one another.

Scotty