Paul writes in Ephesians 4:16:
“from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
You and I are the joint that Paul refers to. Each of us have an important part to play. For us to achieve what God has for the Church corporately and for us individually, unity is required. This scripture gives us three areas that we are called to have unity in. They are:
- Purpose
- Function
- Vision
Purpose.
What every joint supplies.
“Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” 2 Timothy 1:9 NKJV
Function.
Which every part does its share.
“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,” Ephesians 4:1 NASB
Vision.
Growth of the body for the edifying of itself (Building the Church)
“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” Proverbs 29:18
We need to have God’s Vision! See it from His perspective!
Elisha’s servant got up early, and when he went out, he saw an army with horses and chariots all around the city. The servant said to Elisha, “Oh, my master, what can we do?” Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid. The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us.” Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, open my servant’s eyes, and let him see.” The Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15–17
Demonstration.
Your specific unique calling is not just for you, it is meant for God’s greater purpose. You are a part of something that is bigger than yourselves, and you have a function that was only meant for you.
“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” Romans 12:4-5 NKJV
Each tool is created for a specific purpose. For example, a hammer was meant to hit nails. A wrench was made to turn nuts and bolts. A hammer makes a terrible wrench. A wrench makes a terrible hammer. For the tools to reach their full potential they must be used for the purpose for which they were created. Together they make up a toolbox.
So it is with the body of Christ. The body is made up of individual parts, you and I, and we each have our different function. Feet were created for walking. Our tongues were created for talking. The tongue would make a terrible foot. Therefore, we are each to be the tool or body part that we were created to be. When we function in that purpose, we can be as God intended. The benefits will not only be fulfillment to us, but to the whole body of Christ.
Why is Unity so important?
Genesis 11:6 The Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them.”
With unity nothing is impossible. It reminds me of a quote that says “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.”
Different Gifts.
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them,” Romans 12:6a NKJV
God has given each of us different gifts. Romans continues on to say that if you have the gift of teaching, teach. If you have the gift of generosity, give. So it is with all of our gifts, we must use them!
“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;” Ephesians 4:11-12 NASB
This scripture identifies two different groups of people with different callings but one purpose: those called to equip, and those called to be equipped for the works of service. Each of us fit into one of these two groups. Neither function is more important than the other, but they are interdependent on one another. The body needs all of its components functioning together for the one common purpose, the building up of the body of Christ.
Its all about the people and bringing the people to Christ! We need to have the big picture, the bigger vision! Change our perception and begin serving with a spirit of unity!
