One in Us

One evening after a long day of work and our daughter in bed, my husband and I decided to relax with a Netflix show. As we were browsing our options, we decided on a show called, ‘Instant Dream Home’.

​Quickly, we discovered this wasn’t the typical home makeover show. This particular show is based on surprising a nominated family by transforming their house into the home of their dreams, all in ONE day. I was intrigued yet suspicious. How was it possible to have a full home makeover with merely 10-12 hours to get it done?

As I watched, it became clearer. I noticed there was a team of individuals who started planning months in advance to make this work. The roles for the project included an interior/special project designer, carpenter, team leader, and an accomplice who would keep the family busy as the transformation was taking place.

Along with that, each individual had their own team who assisted in getting the job done. Each individual had a unique set of talents, working for a common purpose. They were able to make this life changing surprise happen for the family because of their ability to work as a team. Together, they worked tirelessly and efficiently. While the job was not easy, the tears of joy on each family's face as they pulled up to their new home made each moment worth it. 

​As I watched, I was reminded that this is Jesus’ intentions for the body of Christ—Unity with the purpose of advancing the kingdom. As believers, we were created with our own unique gifts and talents. More importantly, we are meant to use our God given gift to spread the message of Christ.  In scripture, we hear Jesus’s prayer for his disciples as the hour of His crucifixion came near. After walking with his disciples and equipping them, He prayed for their safety as they would continue on their journey to spread the Gospel. He also prayed for those who would believe in Him because of their teachings. He prayed for oneness. In John 17:21 Jesus says, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Jesus makes it clear that unity in the body of Christ further advances the kingdom.
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As clear as Jesus’s prayer is, it seems we have forgotten His command. Dissension in the body of Christ seems to be on display more than ever. Political disagreements, racial tensions, and our own personal preferences have dismantled the unity that Jesus intently prayed for. As tensions in the body of Christ persist, unbelievers question why they would want to follow Christ if those who believe can’t even love each other well. It is impossible to further the Gospel of Christ to the unsaved in the absence of unity. 

How do we display biblical unity as believers? We do so by standing on God’s truth and not our feelings. We also do so by praying for those we don’t agree with and extending God’s unconditional love. The word of God never changes, and remains the only foundation for truth. It is imperative that we use His word as a guide for how we view the world around us. Also, what would it look like to pray for those in the body of Christ we disagree with and extend unconditional love? Oneness is only possible when we set our personal feelings aside and turn to God— our final authority. When we are united and walking in step with God’s truth, it is there that we reach lost souls. I encourage you to take time today to pray about areas in your own life where you could display unity in your community of believers. God has given us all unique gifts and we were made to use them to spread the good news of our salvation!

Memory Verse: “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” ‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

About the Author

Hi there! My name is Jannetta Cox. I am a wife and a first time mom! My husband Chris and I have been married for 5 years and my daughter is a 1 year old who lights up our life in the best way. Currently, I am a full time working mom as a Promotion Research Specialist at the Coca-Cola Company. I love family time, fun outings with friends, and weekend getaways. Lastly (but really first), I love God with all my heart and he is the center of my family. I am thankful for the new life he has given me in him. My prayer is to be a woman who can humbly lead others to Christ however he sees fit! Connect with me at jsamobucox.wordpress.com.