Scripture Reading…John 17:1-26
Devotion
Jesus prays right before he goes to the cross for UNITY. Unity, not just for those who were with him in the upper room, but unity even for those who would believe in him through the words of the Apostles later…that is us. Our unity is so important. In fact, Jesus says it is by our unity that OTHERS, those who are not followers of Jesus, will come to know about and be drawn to Jesus. That means that one of the greatest evangelistic tools we have is our oneness and unity with one another. Have you ever thought about that???
We need to share the gospel with others. We need to show by our example and our words that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We need to serve others because Jesus says that is the true measure of greatness. All of that is true, but equally important is the unity of the body of Christ. Without that unity we might not ever get an opportunity to open our mouths and speak about Jesus’ life and death for them and the hope of eternal life that is found in him.
Here is what all this means…while not the ONLY thing, one of the best things I can do for the church is love my brothers and sisters the way Jesus loved me. Why? Because that is how everyone else, the whole world in fact, will know that I am a follower of Jesus and that is how all will know that Jesus was sent by God to the world. This kind of love is not on display much in our world, so showing that genuine love and concern will cause others to notice and want it themselves.
CHALLENGE FOR THE DAY
Walk at least one mile today.
Respond to the online community.
Every Monday at Beltline we have a program called Monday for the Master. It meets at 6:00 P.M. During that time, cards are written, visits are made, and a good word is put in for Jesus. Talk to Trae, get a name of someone who needs a visit, and go make it tonight!!! Maybe it’s a shut-in or maybe it’s someone in the hospital, regardless go visit someone tonight.