Unity Beyond Backgrounds
This past weekend, as melodies of worship soared at the CityAlight concert, there was a palpable theme that stood out profoundly amidst the chords and lyrics: our shared identity and unity in Christ. Despite the varied churches, backgrounds, cultures, and stories each person brought to that venue, one truth echoed loud and clear—we are "One in Christ."
Devotional: Being part of such an experience, surrounded by fellow believers from diverse walks of life, was a powerful testament to the essence of the Gospel. The song "Only a Holy God" was but a medium, guiding us into the heart of a bigger revelation. As we sang, "Come and behold Him, The One and the Only," it wasn't just about individual adoration but collective worship—a community of believers united in reverence.
The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse wasn't just theology for Paul; it was a lived reality. And as we sang "Cry out, sing holy, Forever a Holy God," it was a vivid demonstration of that truth, a unity that surpasses earthly distinctions and divisions.
In our daily walk, it's easy to get ensnared by labels—denominations, doctrines, traditions. While these have their place, the CityAlight concert was a beautiful reminder that our primary identity isn't rooted in these. Our most profound identity is in Christ. And when we truly grasp this, our approach to fellow believers transforms. We start seeing beyond the external markers to the shared spirit within.
Such gatherings emphasize that while we might worship in different buildings, adhere to varied traditions, or engage with God in diverse ways, at the heart of it all, we serve and love the same Savior. Our shared faith in Jesus becomes the bridge over any chasm of difference.
Let this be our aspiration: to carry the spirit of unity experienced during such events into our everyday lives, recognizing and celebrating our shared bond in Christ, and working passionately to deepen this unity for the advancement of God's kingdom.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of unity in You. Help us to see beyond the earthly distinctions that often divide, and instead, recognize the shared spirit of faith that binds us as one in You. May we always value and nurture this unity, using it as a testament to the world of Your unifying love. Amen.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HSdeeCm8_g