Unity within a vibrant and growing church

20  “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;  21  that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.  22  And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  23  I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
John 17:20-23 (NKJV)

The piano is a fascinating musical instrument. It is unique for its vast note range and its dual nature as both a string and percussion instrument, achieved through a complex mechanism of hammers hitting strings. It's also special because a single player can perform both melody and harmony, making it a versatile instrument ideal for solo performances or as a compositional tool. 
Before the modern era and the advancement of technology the keys on the piano were made with ebony wood and ivory. Due to conservation efforts and bans on the Ivory trade they were discontinued from use in the 1970’s. However, whenever the white ivory notes were played with the black ebony wood notes (called sharps & flats) in a chord progression, it produces a harmonious unified sound that is energetic and vibrant to our eardrums, and it makes our souls come alive. Historically, when we use the collaboration of ebony and ivory, we think of the song by Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney published in 1982, “Ebony and Ivory” that called for racial harmony.

However, we will save that topic for another discussion. I was led to share with you about Unity and its significance within vibrant growing churches. As I asked the Lord for direction, I was led to this familiar passage of scripture where Jesus was in the garden praying for his disciples and the future of his church. Although Jesus is known throughout the gospels to pray all the through night, this is the only extended recorded prayer that Jesus prayed which was recorded by the beloved disciple John. As we look at the text Jesus prays not only for his disciples but also for the legacy of believers that will come to believe on Him through them. (v.20). Our Lord and head of the Head of the Church prayed more fervently “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us” (v.21) Jesus spoke much of his unity with the Father, especially as it related to what he said and did in the world. But here it is a unity of being, not only of purpose and action. The unity of Father and Son exists because, as Jesus said, ‘you [Father] are in me and I am in you’ This unity of being is extended to (us) the disciples: ‘that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us’. This relationship between believers and the Father and Jesus would be brought about through the ministry of the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, sent to the disciples after Jesus’ return to the Father Because the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within (us), the Father and the Son dwell within (us) also, and (we) dwell in the Father and the Son (14:15–20) 2. This very essence of unity within the church reflects the very nature of God. The unity of believers mirrors the perfect unity between the Father and the Son. A church that is united embodies God’s own relational love. Jesus also links unity directly to evangelism: “so that the world may believe you have sent me.” Division weakens the church’s testimony, but visible unity makes the gospel more credible. When we are united it creates an environment of mutual care, forgiveness and shared mission. A vibrant church is not just busy with activities, but it is alive with love that flows from “oneness” in Christ. Just like the piano when it is played individual keys are not identified there is one sound. 

A vibrant church that exudes the unity within Christ focuses less on internal conflict and more on God’s mission. All energy and effort that would otherwise be spent on creating division will fuel the passion for the missional mandate, through outreach, discipleship and transformation.

Unity is not just a nice extra word, its essential to the identity, witness, and vitality of a church. Holy Spirit make us one here in Texas where we can see vibrant churches bound together in Christ’s love, working as one body to reveal God’s glory and advance His Kingdom agenda.

Amen.