Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity
(Psalm 133: 1,2)
Our world is full of conflict and strife. What a direct contrast this is to the very nature of God himself, who as God the father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit, exists in perfect unity as three persons – yet one God. Difficult to understand? Yes. But how beautiful to look upon because within the Triune God is perfection of unity, character, and purpose.
Remarkably, it is the desire of God to share this precious unity with his people. Jesus prayed for this in John 17 –
“I do not ask in behalf of these alone (His disciples), but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that You sent Me”
(John 17:20,21).
What a gift this is, that God would share with his people the unity that he possesses. And the key, of course, is found in the words of Jesus’ prayer – that we may be found “in Christ,” losing our will and our petty prejudices as we exchange them for the character of Christ being formed within our hearts and minds. As this takes place, the words of the Psalmist becomes so true – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!”
There was a small taste of this on Sunday evening, Nov. 21, as the churches of Sumner and Bonney Lake joined together for a Thanksgiving service. What a sweet spirit hovered over our gathering as the people of God focused not upon our differences, but rather upon our God and the common heritage we share in the salvation his son has given to each of us.
As we gathered at Rainier Hills Christian Fellowship, worship was led not by one, but by four different churches. President Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving proclamation was read by Chaplain Art Sphar, a Thanksgiving meditation was shared by Glen McMurray of Bethel Family Fellowship, food was collected for the local food banks, and warm hospitality was extended to all by the kind people at Rainier Hills.
Yes, when God is in the midst of his people – his spirit unifying us by developing the character of Jesus Christ in each of us – the church is a wonderful place to be. Do you have a church family that you belong to? If not, may I encourage you to visit one of the many churches in our community that follows Jesus Christ and faithfully teaches his truth. There is a church that is right for you.
Do you know him? Not do you just know about him, but do you know Jesus personally? He cares for you, and he desires to become your savior and lord during this Christmas season!
Should you have questions or desire spiritual guidance, please contact the Rev. Mike Keith at 253-948-7550 or mlk521@juno.com.
