Ephesians 4:5-7: Oneness
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
This week we explore how to put our love on the line just as the Creator does by abiding with us, just as Jesus does as he shows us The Way, and just as the Spirit does as she comforts and remains in us.
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. (MSG)
There is no mistaking Paul’s message. There is no misunderstanding his understanding of Christ’s message, the Creator’s intention, and the Spirit’s abiding wisdom and love. Paul is clear: we cannot expect to enter into The Kingdom with walls built around us; we cannot expect to understand the language of The Way when we exclude so many from our presence; and we cannot expect to live in the Spirit when we seek revenge and exclusion. Paul reminds us that we are to bring our diversity together to form the Body and Presence we seek. Surely we are up to the challenge.
But that doesn’t mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift. (MSG)
If we are to experience full and eternal unity with the Trinity, we might heed and act on Paul’s words.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; there is one God and Father of all people, who is Lord of all, works through all, and is in all. Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given. (GNT)
If we are to experience our best selves, the persons God created to bring order out of chaos, unity out of diversity, love out of hatred, we might listen to and take up Paul’s message.
When we explore various translations of these verses, we discover our need for oneness.
Image from: http://www.massivemagazine.org.nz/blog/13309/unity-in-diversity/
The Noontimes 