You Are All In One
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
Insight
Have you ever heard a statement that stopped you in your tracks? One so bizarre that it caught you completely off-guard and made you need a double take? There are moments when I’m reading my Bible and this very thing happens. I’ll come across a verse that I must re-read a few times because it rattles me with its implications.
Paul threw out this weighty and controversial statement to the Galatian people. Paul was explaining to them that there was a level playing field at the cross. When it came to those who could have a relationship with Christ, everyone not only had value, but everyone was united. Paul gave incredible imagery for this reality by showing that the most divided groups were now in unity because of Jesus.
Jews and Greeks were in constant tension because of their different views on philosophy. Both groups thought their views were accurate and the other party wrong.
Slaves and people who were free also held seemingly opposite values of each other: freed people had the opportunity to live life to the fullest while slaves were under constant oppression of their master.
Male and female, that was a miserable dynamic when Jesus came into the world. Males could work, own property, make decisions and have an education. Females were considered property and their predominant role was to raise children.
With all these relational tensions existing, Paul revealed that everyone is unified, or made one, in Christ Jesus. Paul was showing what the heartbeat of Jesus’ life was when He was on the earth. Jesus is still speaking into what should be the heartbeat of Christ followers today.
How do you feel about these relationship dynamics? Or, to push a little further, are there any relationship dynamics that you put weight into? Unfortunately, a quick glance of the world around us reveals there are still relationship tensions in every arena. Yet, as Christ followers, we can join in the work of eroding these tensions.
As Christ followers, we must embrace each other as a part of ourselves. We do this is by not being blind to the differences that make oneness in Christ so unique. We should not be color-blind but rather see how the differences in race and ethnicity makes the church rich and diverse. We should not be party-blind but see how the differences in political thought can foster conversation and potential change for the world. We should not be blind to someone’s experiences and choices but instead see how each individual testimony reveals the greater testimony of who Jesus is.
For us to continue to grow in oneness, we should remain focused on the One who brought us all together. Jesus is the perfecter of oneness and when He is at work, He nudges our hearts towards that oneness. So, who are the people within your circle or church that you are becoming one with? Or what step are you going to take to find some people to start becoming one with?
Jesus paved the way for us to be one in His Spirit. This life becomes richer and more adventurous when we go through it together.
Reflection
Find a person, or some people, that you can begin to feel that oneness in Christ. Prioritize that time and see the richness that waits for us in our unity with Christ!
Prayer
Father, thank you for allowing us to be one in Your name. We live in a world that is always trying to divide and separate, but you have called us to something greater. Reveal to me the goodness that exists in oneness with you and with others. You are a Savior of oneness and I want to lean into that. I pray all of this in Your holy name, Amen.
Port City writer Davy Nance wrote today’s devotional
