Bride of Christ blessing

Psalm 133:1--Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

     In a world full of division, discord, disagreement, hostility and contention Christ offers His bride something drastically different: unity.  It cannot be overstated how blessed a believer is to be a part of a congregation that truly fellowships.  Not one that finds joy and satisfaction with temporal, worldly things(you can find that in a bar), but one that gets excited about focusing on the eternal, desiring to initiate, nurture and sustain the faith of others.  For many years I found very few men that truly desired to discuss Scripture and were willing to examine what they believed.  Now, I am surrounded by many.  Are you?

     Desire.  In Luke 9:23 Jesus says, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."  To initiate true unity one must be willing to surrender their will and take up the will of God.  This desire for self-sacrifice is the breeding ground for genuine fellowship.  When two members of God's body(no matter what church they go to) intersect, communion is initiated; not because of their similar physical interests, but rather because of their similar spiritual aspirations.  Do you desire to put down your will and take up the will of Christ? 

     Dedication.  James 2:26 says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."  Dedication is the instrument through which ones desire is displayed.  One can state that genuine desire is present, but if the dedication does not accompany it, no desire is present.  I am not speaking of dedication to a denomination or a program, but to people.  We must practice what Ephesians 5:16 says, "redeeming the time for the days are evil."  If we truly desire to lay down our wants and wills, we will be dedicated to giving the time necessary for one another.  Worldly pleasure and temporal temptations will drift away, and be replaced with a desire to be united with those that are like-minded.  Are you dedicated to investing yourself into the lives of others?

     What a joy it is to be surrounded by so many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ that wholeheartedly desire to please their Master; it creates unity that is not easily expressed.   May you find such unity as you desire to deny yourself and are willing to dedicate your life to others for Him.