"I in them and You In Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them, even as You have loved me." John 17:23

Perhaps we as the church of Jesus Christ need to be reminded of His definition of unity. You will find His definition in His prayer to His Father in John 17:23. Before we can establish unity in the body of Christ we must become one, or be unified to Jesus and all He stood for. What qualifies His authority and power is His being united completely with God the Father. We are to be following His example. If we seek unity with Him relationally, and obey His truths found in His Word we become one. It’s that simple. This is the unity we all should be seeking first and foremost.

Let me make one thing clear — truth does not unite with lies for the sake of unity! Good does not unite with evil; and light cannot unite with darkness. Truth, goodness, and light will be destroyed. We, as followers of Christ, who is the Way, Truth, and the Life, cannot follow Him, and unite with evil. The church is to be united to Jesus, and to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9) We are not to be overcome with evil; but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 says we are not to be bound together with unbelievers for what partnership does righteousness and lawlessness have? What fellowship has light with darkness? The Lord says to come out from their midst and be separate.

I return to John 17:14-18 and allow Jesus to summarize the message of this devotional to His own:

" I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of this world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world…"

As we read John 17 let us ask ourselves has Jesus’ prayer been answered in our lives? This prayer was prayed for you! May the truth of God’s Word set us free from the lies of our enemies, and may we be united wholly to Jesus Himself. Then may we fulfill why we are here — not to unite with darkness, but to expel the darkness!
In His love.

Teresa Roberts

Masterpiece Fitness

www.masterpiecefitness.com

276-237-6680

Enjoyed an incredible hike with clients topping Buffalo Mountain in Willis, Virginia. This is a short hike that will excel your expectations!