Description
Author: Smith, Dr. Kathy J.
Empowered Believers Empower the Church
Is it any wonder that people worldwide lay awake at night wondering what may come next? In a world that seems to be turned upside down and without faith, unity, even unity within the church, seems to be fleeting. Neighbor rises against neighbor, and family members are unable to agree; the idea of unity in the world as we know it seems nearly impossible. The concept of free speech is challenged by those who feel they know what is best for all. Any who disagree with their personal ideology may find themselves the subject of angry outbursts, and at times, even violence. Actually, violent outbursts may be observed on all sides of the political spectrum. It would seem in some circles that freedom of speech only applies to those who comply with the concepts they mutually agree on. Unity, ah yes. How might a city, country, nation, or even the church hope to achieve unity in a world so torn apart by controversy, violence, and hate? It can’t, except by the grace of God. But for God, we would have no hope. But therein comes our peace and joy, that by His grace we will someday attain the unity that He himself has prescribed.
Unity is a healing prescription for disunity, and love is the remedy for hate. The church is the vehicle through which unity is to be delivered to the world. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:55, “Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?” Death, you seek to destroy us, but for God.
It is through the struggle for unity that the church will find its backbone, spread its wings, and become the light of the world; fulfilling the mandate of God as the bearer of peace and declaring the good news, the redemption from sin and eternal life. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also, we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:22-23
