Be With Him

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those he wanted, and they came to him. (14) He appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, to send them out to preach, (15) and to have authority to drive out demons. –Mark 3.13-15 (CSB)

Do you desire our church to be united? To be a force for the Kingdom? I do. In fact, I believe we can be united; I believe we can be a force for the Kingdom. However, I also recognize that we are not united. We have a semblance of unity, but no real unity. We say, “Yes, we will do whatever it takes! Except doing the hard work to foster unity.”
We walk around with anger and animosity toward ourselves and others. We anxiously wait to pull out the record of wrongs and add to the list when someone crosses us. Yet, if we walk in love (i.e., the defining characteristic of Christ’s people (Jh. 13.35)), we will keep no record of wrong and certainly won’t remind others of their past once forgiven and forgotten (1 Cor. 13.5). In fact, when we’re marked by love, we endeavor to forgive in our hearts—even when the one in the wrong never asks for it.
I have been praying for unity for our church; through tears I have prayed. With a heavy heart I have prayed. I believe we can be united and reach our community, state, and world for the Kingdom. But we must first be united because God will not bless a church that is divided.
Ultimately, we become united as we each walk with Jesus day-by-day. We endeavor to draw near to the one who made an end to all our sin. When Jesus summoned the twelve to him, their first and primary commission was “to be with him” (Mk. 3.13). It was not to lead a Bible study, drive out demons, preach, or serve. No, it was to simply be with Jesus. To be transformed by him and to be taught by him.
As we move toward unity as a faith family, may we each seek to abide in Christ (Jh. 15.5) and commune with him in fellowship and prayer for ourselves, family, friends, and church. As we spend time with Jesus, may we lay down that which has no place in our lives (Col. 3.5-10) and pick up that which we should embrace (Col. 3.12-17).

For Reflection
How has your time been with Jesus? What adjustments do you need to make to spend more time with Him? 

Read Colossians 3.5-10, 3.12-17. What in your life do you need to “put off” and what do you need to “put on.”

How does our personal intimacy with Jesus affect our unity as a church?
 
Pray
Pray and ask God to draw you nearer to him as he draws us nearer as a faith family. 
 
Oh Lord, the task is great and challenges are many. But you have overcome. Draw us near both as a church and as individuals so that we may be united for your glory and our good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.