The Beauty of Oneness

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (read) offers us a picture of the divine beauty and strength of unity among the brethren.  The enemy understands the power of Christian unity and makes it his aim to disrupt the spirit of oneness.  In fact, I believe one of the most powerful tools the enemy uses against the church is the tool of isolation.  I’ve seen this demonic tool manifested in local church bodies as well as the corporate church.  It’s a tool that threatens Kingdom expansion and clearly hinders our ability to walk as the church united—God's Hands extended in the earth.  Rudyard Kipling, the British writer, once wrote these words in relation to isolation:  “We're all islands shouting lies to each other across seas of misunderstanding.”  I don’t believe Jesus ever envisioned His church as one of factions and segments that worship in their own vacuum never looking to enjoy the blessings that come along with oneness.   

Why does it seem easier for us to isolate than to assimilate and literally become interwoven in spirit?  I believe it’s because isolation enables us to avoid having to engage one another's story or lot in life.  Sometimes, it feels as if it’s all we can do to manage our own lot in life.  We isolate because unity sometimes requires us to wrestle with difficult questions, to engage in loving confrontation and challenge our preconceptions.  Plainly stated, isolation really requires no faith or trust, and it soothes our fears of having to deal with the unknown.   

Apparently, isolation is not a novel or new behavior in the church.  The writer of Hebrews (10:25) actually exhorts the church to be intentional about connecting and avoiding isolation.  As is so beautifully depicted in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, the Lord is calling the church to walk in a divine spirit of unity so much so that we literally live the answer to Jesus prayer in John 17:20-21 where He prays these words:  "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us..."  Friends, as we approach these final hours before the imminent return of Christ, let us continue to pursue unity and walk in the power of oneness so we might be conduits through which the transforming power of the Holy Spirit can touch the lives of unbelievers all over the world.  Realizing our unity is found in none other than Jesus Christ, I offer this final thought:  “Our commitment to Christ binds us irrevocably to each other.”