“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I
come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in
one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and
not frightened by anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of
their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.”
Philippians 1:27-28 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/php.1.27-28.esv
In John 17 Jesus prays that we are one just like the Father and the Son are one.
Paul confirms this by stating if we stand firm in One Spirit we will destroy our
opponents. United we stand; divided we fall.
The Holy Spirit within us is intended to be one. Yet, each one of us has a piece of
the Holy Spirit. When we received the Holy Spirit, we were a part of the temple,
not the entire temple itself.
I often wonder how being One is even possible. I must trust God on this one.
You see, there are multiple denominations of Churches and each has a variation
of what they see God as. We are, in a way, united through Christ but have
different thoughts on worship. Some have added books like the Book of
Mormon but still have full faith in Jesus. Others have masses that worship the
same God but structure it differently. Interpretations of verses can vary from
church to church. It’s these slight variations that break apart unity. When I talk
with other brothers and sisters about the same Bible, I am amazed at how they
get their backs up when I ask deep questions. They see it as me being rude or
condescending. I see it as trying to understand the rationale behind their
interpretations. I am really not trying to upset them. I am trying to understand
them. Yet, they seem more concerned about converting me over searching for
common truths.
I pray one day Jesus’ prayer in John 17 comes true. He and Paul are right. If we
are One with God, we will all be victorious. My hope is one day we are all One
Church with each one of our Holy Spirits combined building a strong temple for
God.
by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor
Alberta, Canada
