Maintain the Unity
It is no secret that we in the United States live in divided times. But our moment is not unique. Profound cultural, political, and religious tensions existed in the first century too. Even without social media, opposing histories, practices, and preferences bred suspicion and hostility — as they had for millennia. And no matter the strength of power or persuasion, no ruler brought old animosities to an end.
But then Jesus pierced that ancient darkness. By his death, he atoned for the sin that maintained hostility and absorbed the wrath of God that was due it. By his supreme rule, he obliterated all claims of moral or ethnic superiority. By his Spirit he brought forth something incomprehensible: his church — Jew and Gentile, slave and free, rich and poor — formerly hostile enemies now joyful members of the same body. Paul reminds the Ephesians, “he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and broke down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” Through his death, Paul says, Jesus created “in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace” and through himself, reconciled “us both to God in one body, through the Cross, thereby killing the hostility” (Eph. 3:14-16).
That’s why Paul exhorts the Ephesians (and us) to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:3). Our unity is not mere potential — it is actual. An inalterable, undeniable, blood-bought fact. And what impedes that unity is not our different histories, cultures, practices, or preferences. It is our pride. The obstacle to walking “in a manner worthy of the calling to which [we] have been called” (4:3) is our unwillingness to humble ourselves, to be gentle and patient, to bear long with one another in light of God’s gentle forbearance with us (4:2). Unity isn’t optional for the Christian life. As God’s children, we must live in a manner that makes that unity obvious — especially to our divided states of America. And this reminds us of our need to pray.
Prayer of Confession
Our heavenly Father, we confess our neglect of the precious unity for which Christ died. We acknowledge that we are often zealous for our preferences but apathetic for your priorities. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday this week, we admit that much fault for the polarization of our nation must rest at our feet — to Paul was not only given his life, but the lives of those who sailed with him. Jonah’s rebellion was nearly the destruction of his shipmates. We too are complicit in our divided times. Our ingratitude, lukewarmness, worldly-mindedness, animosities, divisions, scandals, and other evils are more offensive to you than all the wickedness of our land besides. Have mercy on us and forgive us. Help us, your church, reclaim the reward of your suffering as we confess these and our other sins to you in this time of silence.