Have you heard people talk of unity? Do you know what they want to be united in? Is it a favorite cause of theirs? Is it a mere human cause that favors only a few? What if we were united in God’s cause, which favors all?
There are causes everywhere we look. It seems there is a new cause put before us nearly every day. You can find dozens of causes for the poor in your own town. There are causes for every race under the sun. There are causes for every choice people may make.
Each cause wants to have as many people as possible to unify with them. Most of these causes have good intentions, but there are some who do not. How can we know we are supporting the right cause or causes? Perhaps we need the right filter to help us discern the answer.
Paul tells the church in Colossae to be united in love. If we are united in love, the love of Christ, we are for every person. We are looking for what is best for each person as defined by God. God desires that each person be saved through His Son, Jesus Christ. He desires each person to love one another. He desires we all treat one another as a child of His. He desires we take care of one another. He desires we give up hatred and violence. Does that not sound like a filter that can direct our discernment as to which causes we should support?
Unity in love is more than words, though. It requires us to take action. Not necessarily marching in the streets but doing little things every day to show the love of Christ. Be kind to everyone we interact with, whether a stranger on the street or a family member. Speak truth in love to one another tactfully, but clearly. Show love in caring for one another. Mere words are insufficient and may be nothing more than hot air. Action speaks louder than any words we may speak.
I pray we all pursue unity in the love of Christ. I pray we use love to discern the causes we support. I pray each one of us put love into action. Love with the love of Christ. Be kind to one another. Discern causes to support through love. Love one another. Speak through action, not just words.
Colossians 2:2-3 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Marty Pressey 