What if we prayed that God would change our hearts so that we could be one with each other, experiencing the kind of unity that Jesus did with his Father? Prayed that God would give us grace to accomplish it rather than striving to do it on our own? 

It would probably work a bunch better than what we’ve been able to accomplish on our own.

That’s effectively what the saints through ages discovered – Unity wasn’t something that they could do, but it was something that God did.

If you’re worried about the life of your congregation if it has internal conflict, if you’re worried about what the future will bring, about whether or not you will grow… be at peace. That’s all up to God ultimately and not to you. 

Rather focus on living a life individually and as a community that accords with the example set for us. Take comfort from the fact that the Bible is filled with people who failed at that – just as you and I do and will. But take greater comfort in the fact that God forgives and that God will empower. And that eventually a few people get it right.

And a few people, living a life that looks like the Gospel – being one with each other and with the community around them is all it has ever taken to change everything.

You can view this week’s sermon using this link.