We Are One in Jesus Christ
A devotional by Christa MacDonald
“Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
–Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV)
–Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV)
One of the most beautiful things about Christianity is that there is no test to pass, no requirements other than repentance and faith. There’s no “Christian bloodline” or “Christian country.”
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28 ESV). You can be born in any country, be a member of any family, any ethnicity, any cultural tradition, and Jesus welcomes you. How rare is that in our world?
Tribalism seems to be on the rise these days with folks picking sides and narrowly defining who can be in their camp. Express an opinion on social media and you’re likely to see a quick reply from those who don’t agree. It isn’t just politics anymore. It’s as though someone turned the temperature up on all our arguments.
Every hill is one we’re ready to plant our flag on and defend to the end. I’ve often written about the need for Christians to seriously consider their use of social media and remember that we are a Christian witness every time we log on whether or not we’re sharing the Gospel. How we treat others and what we say are all part of our witness if we’re public in our faith, as Christians are called to be.
The verse above reminds us that there is one true Church, but we sometimes act as though we are one of a thousand denominations that aren't sure whether or not any of the other Bible-believing denominations may or may not be “real” Christians.
We’re so quick to subject our brothers and sisters to purity tests that the Bible simply doesn’t have. Salvation isn’t out of reach if you vote for a Democrat or Republican. You’re not doomed to hell for believing the earth is billions of years old. But aren’t we so quick to draw lines and excommunicate those we think are wrong before we even engage with them?
My husband and I don’t see eye to eye on everything. I’m the fire to his ice in our arguments. He can “What if…” a girl right out of her mind, yet we make it work. For most national elections, we’re checking different boxes. But like all Christians, we agree on the big things. Jesus Christ was both God and man. He walked this earth and experienced what it was like to be fully human while also being fully God. He died for the sins of the world, was resurrected, and ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father.
The Gospel is simple: If we repent of our sins and place our faith in Him as our Savior and Lord, then we are saved from eternal damnation. By Grace we are saved, not works. Don't add anything to the Gospel.
Regardless of your denomination, your political affiliation or your cultural situation, if Christ has adopted you, we’re siblings. The Church needs to let go of the idols (statues, flags, nationalities, membership cards) and cling to the Cross.
Put Jesus Christ first. Be Kingdom-minded in all you do.
~*~
Author Bio:
A native New Englander, she was inspired by her travels through the north woods of Maine to write The Broken Trail, which would become the first in the Sweet River Redemption series published by Mountain Brook Ink.
Christa's writing focuses on the real-life challenges of the modern world, love’s sometimes crooked path, and the redemptive power of Grace.
When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty.
She and her husband live with their three kids, two cats, and one dog along the coast of New England. Connect with Christa at www.christamacdonald.com.
