The Power of One

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.  Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.  Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all,
who is over all, in all, and living through all.  Ephesians 4:1-6

I want to deviate a bit from my series to share something I experienced this weekend.  I was in Charleston, SC visiting family, and had an opportunity to go Emanuel AME Church or as they refer to it there, 'Mother Emanuel.'  In case you have not made the connection, this is the church where nine people were shot and killed during bible study one early summer evening in June.  Even before I sat in the pew and listened to the sermon, I felt the Holy Spirit move within me.  It was stirring deep within connecting with fellow congregants of the church and then seemingly within the church itself.  I know the church building is but a mere assembly of brick and mortar, but to describe it as just that is to be naïve.  It’s one thing to see the church from the outside or the service from afar. However once inside, you knew this was truly a house of God.  From the people to the architecture, I could not help but feel God’s presence in that very place.  I am very happy with my church home and pastor, but as my mother appropriately stated, it felt like home.  My spirit was renewed, and my faith was strengthened.  From the songs of the hymnal praising God from whom all blessings flow to the sermon telling of how to remain faithful even when it is midnight in your journey of faith, I gained greater confidence in God and His plan for my life.  It reaffirmed within me that no matter where we are and what church we call home, we all share the same love for an awesome God.  No matter what country we live in or what color or culture we claim, there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.

We are united as one church under God.  The words of Paul here are meant to encourage and build up one’s faith.  Much like a great coach, Paul rallied the Ephesians reminding them of their one universal cause: unity with God.  We often get worn down and tired fighting worldly battles, and many times it feels overwhelming.  But God is always there, and the church is where you will find strength!  That is where you huddle with the rest of the team, and gain clarity and instruction to go out into the world and fight the battles as God’s personal advocate.  You are a part of His team with the rest of us, and if you feel a bit distant from God, remember as a preacher once told me.  Don’t lose sight of right and settle for the ‘right now.’  Trust in Him, and remain faithful.

If you are in a place of comfort, perhaps now is the time God needs you to be courageous.  Yes, it is good to rest and enjoy what God has provided, but God does not provide for us to just sit and relax.  He wants bold and active participants in His church.  As I restate a famous quote, “You can choose courage or comfort, but you cannot have both.”  The church needs faithful servants to become active participants in the building of His Kingdom!

No matter where you are or where you need to be, God and His people are with you.  This week reinforced for me that the church is still the hope of the world.  My hope is today’s devotion brings each of you both hope and encouragement for your journey of faith.  You are that light in God’s church!  If there can be an infinite level of Godly love and connection where there once was pain, despair and tragedy, it can be found anywhere.  What is God calling you to do for His church right now?  How will you ‘jump start’ your spirit?  My prayer is that we always remember the words of Paul building our church homes and taking it to the power of one!  Amen.