Ephesians 4

It seems to me today that the toughest battle that we as a church are facing isn’t against Satan or evil, but against ourselves. We have split ourselves into several different groups and we tend to look down on others. We have divided ourselves in such a way that it is very rare to see a group of a certain denomination hanging out with a group from another denomination. We have created our own little clicks inside our own little churches, and in most cases we tend to want to keep it that way. We as a church need to stop focusing on all of our differences and start focusing on what we have in common, our faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul said it this way in Ephesians chapter four. He tells us to be “humble and gentle”and to “make allowance fo each other’s faults because of your love.” Paul also says that we should “make every effort to keep ourselves united in the Spirit, binding ourselves together with peace.” This means that unity is a choice. The way we treat others is a choice. We must choose to be humble, gentle, and patient. In verses four and five, Paul tells us what we should truly be focused on. He says, “There is one Spirit, one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.” In other words, it is the same Holy Spirit the guides every one of us, it is the same Jesus that we all should worship and we all have the same destination. So tell me again, why are we arguing with each other?

In a world where sin and immorality are welcomed with open arms, the last thing the church should be doing is arguing with one another over petty and insignificant things. We have a real battle to fight, and it isn’t with each other. Jesus said it best when he said “a kindom divided cannot stand.” The division of the church needs to cease.

Now I want to challenge Christians everywhere, no matter your denominational affiliation, to bulldoze your church walls and reach out beyond your borders and unite with other believers. How can we expect to gather lost souls, while we are busy fighting with one another. Let’s go out and bring glory to Jesus Christ.