Maintaining the Unity of the Spirit
Maintaining the Unity of the Spirit
Tuesday
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 4:4-6 (ESV)
— Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV)
Unity is one of the most precious and precarious realities in the Christian church. Jesus prayed in John 17 that we would be one, just as He and the Father are one, so that the world would believe. Satan knows the power of unified believers, so he constantly works to divide, fracture, and fragment the body of Christ. Paul's command to be "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" recognizes both our responsibility and our limitations.
Notice Paul doesn't say "create" unity but "maintain" it. The Holy Spirit creates unity when He baptizes believers into Christ's body at conversion. We didn't manufacture this unity, and we can't manufacture it through programs, strategies, or organizational techniques. It's a spiritual reality that already exists. But—and this is crucial—we can damage it, neglect it, and fail to preserve it. Our responsibility is to guard, protect, and cultivate the unity the Spirit has already created.
The word "eager" means to make every effort, to be diligent, to give serious attention and energy to this endeavor. Unity doesn't happen automatically just because we're all Christians. It requires intentional effort, deliberate choices, and sometimes difficult conversations. The "bond of peace" is what holds us together—not just absence of conflict but the active presence of God's shalom, His comprehensive wellbeing.
Then Paul provides the theological foundation for our unity—seven non-negotiable realities all beginning with the word "one." One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. These aren't goals to achieve; they're facts to acknowledge. Every true believer shares these seven commonalities regardless of denominational affiliation, worship style, cultural background, or socioeconomic status. When we let secondary matters divide us, we deny these primary truths.
Notice Paul doesn't say "create" unity but "maintain" it. The Holy Spirit creates unity when He baptizes believers into Christ's body at conversion. We didn't manufacture this unity, and we can't manufacture it through programs, strategies, or organizational techniques. It's a spiritual reality that already exists. But—and this is crucial—we can damage it, neglect it, and fail to preserve it. Our responsibility is to guard, protect, and cultivate the unity the Spirit has already created.
The word "eager" means to make every effort, to be diligent, to give serious attention and energy to this endeavor. Unity doesn't happen automatically just because we're all Christians. It requires intentional effort, deliberate choices, and sometimes difficult conversations. The "bond of peace" is what holds us together—not just absence of conflict but the active presence of God's shalom, His comprehensive wellbeing.
Then Paul provides the theological foundation for our unity—seven non-negotiable realities all beginning with the word "one." One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. These aren't goals to achieve; they're facts to acknowledge. Every true believer shares these seven commonalities regardless of denominational affiliation, worship style, cultural background, or socioeconomic status. When we let secondary matters divide us, we deny these primary truths.
1. What secondary issues tend to divide Christians in your experience?
2. How might focusing on the seven "ones" help you maintain unity even when you disagree on lesser matters?
2. How might focusing on the seven "ones" help you maintain unity even when you disagree on lesser matters?
Lord, forgive me for the times I've contributed to division in Your body over matters of preference rather than principle. Help me to earnestly maintain the unity You've created, focusing on our common faith rather than our minor differences. Amen.
Posted in Walking Worthy - Ephesians 4:1-16
Recent
Archive
2026
January
Every Spiritual BlessingChosen Before Time BeganRedeemed By Precious BloodSealed By the SpiritEmpowered By Resurrection MightSaved From: The Reality of Our Former ConditionSaved To: The Mercy & Love of GodSaved To: A New Position & FutureSaved By: Grace Through FaithSaved For: Good Works Prepared in AdvanceRemember Where You WereThe Power of "But Now"He Himself is Our PeaceAccess to the FatherBuilt Together
February
Receivers of RevelationFellow Heirs TogetherThe Unsearchable RichesStrength for the Inner BeingMore Than We Ask or ThinkThe Therefore of Christian LivingMaintaining the Unity of the SpiritGrace Measured Out in DiversityEquipped for Ministry, Growing Toward MaturityThe Gospel Center of It AllThe New Self & Truthful CommunityThe New Self & Righteous AngerThe New Self & Honest LaborThe New Self & Edifying SpeechThe New Self & Gracious Forgiveness
No Comments