2021 Advent Devotions
Tuesday, December 7 - Lee Yohn
Ephesians 4:1-6 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of a calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”
I long for unity in our country and in our church. Our country has become increasingly divided by political differences. Opposing viewpoints are accentuated by news sources aligned with both major political parties. Social media posts add to the political rhetoric. Under this climate, bipartisan negotiations with the goal of benefitting the country as a whole often seem unrealistic. The coronavirus pandemic has added yet another layer of division. If that isn’t enough, the reaction to the recent social statements of the church have the potential to divide our sacred institution.
For me, this is a very depressing situation, in particular as it relates to the church. Upon researching the question of how to promote Christian unity, the following suggestions were given:
In his book, “The Screwtape Letters,” C. S. Lewis describes the subtle ways the devil utilizes to divide us as Christians. Let us stand together, united by a Christ-like love. 1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” This
advent season we long for the arrival of our Lord and Savior as a newborn baby. As we contemplate our future, I believe we should follow the advice of the “WWJD” bracelets and ask, “What would Jesus do?”
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that we may focus on the greater good and things that unite us, rather than dwelling on the things that divide us. Amen.
Ephesians 4:1-6 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of a calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”
I long for unity in our country and in our church. Our country has become increasingly divided by political differences. Opposing viewpoints are accentuated by news sources aligned with both major political parties. Social media posts add to the political rhetoric. Under this climate, bipartisan negotiations with the goal of benefitting the country as a whole often seem unrealistic. The coronavirus pandemic has added yet another layer of division. If that isn’t enough, the reaction to the recent social statements of the church have the potential to divide our sacred institution.
For me, this is a very depressing situation, in particular as it relates to the church. Upon researching the question of how to promote Christian unity, the following suggestions were given:
- Encourage each other. Ephesians 4:29 “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.”
- Be prayerful.
- Remember who we represent.
In his book, “The Screwtape Letters,” C. S. Lewis describes the subtle ways the devil utilizes to divide us as Christians. Let us stand together, united by a Christ-like love. 1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” This
advent season we long for the arrival of our Lord and Savior as a newborn baby. As we contemplate our future, I believe we should follow the advice of the “WWJD” bracelets and ask, “What would Jesus do?”
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that we may focus on the greater good and things that unite us, rather than dwelling on the things that divide us. Amen.