Read: Ephesians 4:1-6
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope . . . one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. (vv. 4-6)
Often, matters of importance are overtaken by matters of immediacy. During my college days, while returning to my hometown for the summer vacation, my train stopped. It was a very long train ride, and I hadn’t brushed my teeth for two days because there was no water in the train. I was told that the train would stop for 15 minutes on the platform, so I rushed to the nearest bathroom to wash my face. As soon as I was done, I rushed back to my train, but the train was gone. I missed my train!
Is it possible for passionate believers to also miss the train? In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul emphasizes that the ultimate goal of preaching Christ is not only salvation, but also unity in Christ for all believers. Astonishingly, this includes not only Jewish followers of Jesus but also everyone who believes—Gentiles too! Paul describes that unity clearly and succinctly: “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (vv. 5-6). In many other letters, he teaches against erecting the same barriers that divide humanity again in the church. A sincere effort for unity is a biblical mandate, not an option—lest Christians also miss the train.
The question for you is—are you a divider or unifier? —Dr. A.K. Lama
As you pray, ask God to help you overcome your own prejudices and accept and love others in the body of Christ, for God’s glory.
About the Author
Dr. A.K. Lama serves as Words of Hope’s Director for Ministry to South Asia. Dr. Lama is fluent in six languages, and holds a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois. Dr. Lama is married to Dr. Asangla Ao. Together they have two daughters and one son.
