THE BASIS OF UNITY

„Grace was given to each one of us…to grow up in every way into him who is the head” (Ephesians 4,7-16).

The subject matter of this section in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is the most unique characteristic describing the Body of Christ. It is the unity of the Church. But what kind of unity are we talking about? Being individualistic as we have “grown” to be, one might think, it must be the unity of purpose. No, it is not. Same mindedness is not unique to the Church. Another way we often think of the Church as if the common faith would be the glue that binds us together. “Unity of faith” (v. 13) is actually the result, the fruit grown on the life of the Church. The most unique characteristic of the Body of Christ is its organic unity. Like parts in the human body, we are knit together to a glorious, elaborate, life supporting, organic system: a Body for Christ’s presence in this age.

Actually, what is common in all the members, large and small, young and old, is the grace given to each. Grace given - as needed, lavishly - “...according to the measure of Christ’s gift”. When we come together, all recipients of this grace, our solidarity is built around the personal experience of our deepest needs being met by Christ Jesus. The foundation for the organic unity of the Church is grace received from the same source and for the same purpose by all the parts.

Naturally, this morning we are focused on the tragedy that happened yesterday near Minneapolis, Minnesota. As local, state and federal leaders gathered for a news conference a few minutes ago, ready to take on the enormous task of recovery, investigating, and rebuilding the collapsed bridge and the lives of the communities around it, I was reminded of the need for unity even in secular society. The task before those officials is to build something temporary. If earthly goals are unreachable without unity, how could the Church function without this sacred concord? How important it is to realize that our unity is based on nothing else, but the grace given to each and every one of us! Just think about it!

Let us pray for humility to view our qualification for belonging to Christ’s Body on the basis of His graciousness! Let us pray for the people of Minnesota, and especially for those living in the Twin Cities area. This morning I called the office of Dr. John Piper, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, and told him that they are in the prayers of Hungarian Baptists, worldwide.