Renewal Prayer Network Executive Director Pastor Jay Richmond
Thankful for the unity of the Spirit!
For many of us, Thanksgiving is a special occasion for our families. I enjoy Thanksgiving, But I may have enjoyed more when I was younger. Ever since my time in the Coast Guard as a Subsistence Specialist, I’ve been put to work each Thanksgiving.
Subsistence Specialist is just a fancy title for a cook; it does sound more intriguing though, doesn’t it? Now on Thanksgiving, I spend much of the day preparing the feast. Don’t get me wrong I do enjoy cooking the dinner and serving my family. But, when I was younger, I just enjoyed moms cooking, I didn’t have to make anything. And I was very thankful!
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Here in Ephesians 4:1-6 the Apostle Paul tells us; “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 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.”
Isn’t it interesting, Paul just tells us to maintain the unity of the Spirit. We don’t make it, we don’t create it, we are to maintain the unity.
Just like my mom's cooking, I didn't make it. I maintained it...for a while!
Where does the unity come from, it comes from the Spirit, God Himself. We don’t have to make it or create it, just embrace it. That requires us to change. But that is where the Spirit Himself changes us from within - transforms us into the image of Jesus. In His image we can, as Paul directs us, “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Prayer – Thank you Lord, you created the unity we have in Your Spirit. Help us to maintain the unity for Your Glory! So that those who do not yet know You will be drawn to You.