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Striving Toward Unity

Almost every successful company or group in history has shared something in common: they all had a unifying mission.

As Christians, we all share the same mission. We are unified in following Christ. We're saved by His blood (Romans 5:9) and we're all called to make disciples in His name (Matthew 28:19).

And yet, even among Christians, there is so much division and disunity.

In Psalm 133:1, Psalmist reflects on how good it is when the people of God live together in unity. There is something powerful that happens among Christians when we are unified.

Unity is not putting away our differences, because there would be no need to be unified if we were all the same. No, unity is coming together with our differences and striving to make much of Jesus together.

We can accomplish so much more for God’s kingdom together than we can alone. But, we must strive for unity to make that happen. Life's better when we work together.

Take a moment to consider the people in your life who might be different from you. What steps can you take today to build a greater sense of unity with those around you? Consider a few ways that you can make Jesus famous in your life through the relationships and communities that you’re in.

God, You alone can unite Your children. You make sinful hearts clean. You make broken families whole. You make divided nations return to You. Help me remember Your power to unite and Your will for togetherness. Mend the divisions You see in me, and mend the divisions You see in the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Think About It

Do you ever think about what you think about? Or recognize that your thoughts have power? Or consider how, over time, you’ll become what you think?

Writing from a Roman prison to the believers in the Greek city of Philippi, the apostle Paul knew firsthand the importance of battling hard things with true thoughts. He regularly dealt with opposition, weakness, hardship, and persecution.

But Paul also knew that Jesus-followers were called to a different way of thinking…

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 NIV

Even in a broken world, God has created good things, and He’s empowered us to notice and to praise Him for it.

The apostle James also reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from God, and Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life. So when we focus on what is good and truth-filled, our thoughts shift toward God—the giver of good things and the author of all that is true.

Focusing on what is good might look like reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice for you. It could mean remembering a time when you felt God protect, provide, or prepare you. Or it could look like thanking God for the promises He’s kept, and the love He’s shown you.

Following Paul’s advice isn’t about practicing positive thinking—it’s about fixing our thoughts on God in order to cultivate the mind of Christ in our everyday lives.

So today, think about what you think about. Search for a rhythm of gratefulness and worship. Thank God for opportunities to shine light into a dark world. And look for what is good, pure, and true wherever you go.

God, sometimes it’s hard to focus my mind on good things. But I know You are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy—and I am grateful I can focus my mind on You at all times. When I go through challenging situations, please remind me of Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Judgment

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.
Hebrews 9:27

Judgment can have two meanings: judgment in terms of evaluation (as in ranking performances resulting in prizes) or judgment in terms of punishment (as in a courtroom where a sentence of guilty is rendered).

Both kinds of judgments will occur in the future. First, believers will be evaluated for their faithfulness at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the purpose of rewards (2 Corinthians 5:10).

This judgment occurs at the beginning of the Tribulation. Second, non-believers will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment at the end of the Millennium in light of their works and God’s laws (Revelation 20:11-15). The result for believers is rewards; the result for non-believers is eternal separation from God.

Christ will be the Judge at the Great White Throne: “For the Father...has committed all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). The subjects will be unbelievers from all ages. Words, works, conscience, actions, lack of faith—everything will be revealed as evidence. Eternal hell is the destination of the judged.

The doctrine of hell is unpopular. But let its reality motivate us to share the Gospel with all who lack faith in Christ before it is too late.

“Hell is an abiding place, but no resting place.“
- Thomas Watson

God, You gave us Your Son, the light of the world. Give me the courage and strength of character to follow Jesus unconditionally. Regardless of the trials or temptations I face, I want to walk with Him. I want to experience a personal relationship with Him. I want Jesus to be the one I pursue above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Who Are You Trying To Please? 🤔

Have you ever struggled with people-pleasing? With caring more about what a human being thinks of you than what your Creator thinks of you? With wanting to honor God, but also wanting to be loved and respected by people?

Writing to believers in Galatia, Paul had a message for those deciding if they should trust the stand-alone grace of Jesus, or add rules and regulations to Jesus’ finished work. He said:

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Galatians 1:10 NIV

Every day and every moment, we have a choice: to seek human approval or God’s approval.

And if we genuinely desire to please God, how do we do so?

Contrary to many other religions, it’s not by doing enough good works to tip the scales in our favor. But as Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it’s impossible to please God…” The only part we have to play in our salvation is having faith in the One who saves.

Faith is essentially trust, so think about it: Who do you trust? Who are you trying to please? Who are you hoping notices you and accepts you and is proud of you?

If you’re interested in evaluating your own motives—which can sometimes be difficult—you can ask yourself these questions:

- Am I influenced more by cultural trends, societal pressure, and the opinions of others—or by the Word of God?

- Am I trusting that there’s nothing I can add to the finished work of Jesus, or am I believing the lie that Jesus plus something else is required?

- Am I committed to trusting God, even when I might get canceled, blocked, fired—or even killed?

If popularity is your goal, living for Jesus might be a challenge. But if you’re committed to trusting God, then He calls you to live differently. He invites you to embrace His approval by showing others unconditional kindness, patience, grace, and love.

At the end of this life, you will stand before an audience of One. So who are you trying to please?

God, thank You for loving me even when I get caught up in pleasing others. Sometimes I get so focused on what the world thinks that I forget I am not made for this world. Please refocus my heart and guide me to live for You—even if society tells me otherwise. In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏❤️✝️

He Started It

When the Apostle Paul was locked in a Roman prison for telling people about Jesus, he sent a letter of hope to his friends back in Philippi. A portion of it said:

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Philippians 1:6 NLT

Though Paul was writing to specific people in the first-century Church, his words are just as true for the global Church today.

Think about it: Who started this thing we call life? Who made this world and everything in it? Who fine-tuned the universe to actually make sense? Who put you here—at this specific time in history? Who handcrafted your body, your mind, your strengths, and your unique-to-you personality? Who began this good work?

Before you were ever born, God already had you in mind. Before you could even walk or talk or have dreams for yourself, God already had a plan. Before you knew to look to Him or to follow Him or to worship Him, God was already at work—in you, around you, and through you.

Sometimes it feels like we’re just wasting time and taking up space, without real purpose. But—it turns out—God is intentional and He makes no mistakes. To top it off…

God always finishes what He starts.

The story isn’t over. When Christ returns once and for all, the work of God through His people will finally be complete.

Until then, let’s commit to God’s good work inside of us.
Let’s magnify Him in everything we do.
Let’s believe that He’ll finish what He has begun.

God, thank You for using an ordinary person like me for Your glory. You chose me before the beginning of time. I believe You have a unique plan and purpose for my life. Work in and through me today. In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏❤️✝️🔥