We are called to live in dynamic union with God and with His people. This is more important than ever as we face challenging times, in our nation and the Church.
God did not make us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). He promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and His Spirit is guiding us into all truth (John 16:13).
How can we steward our hearts in this difficult hour? How are we, the people of God, to live as a unified Bride in a world that is increasingly divided? How will we endure the pressures that are here—and likely to increase?
The Lord made us to be people of zeal, wholeheartedly pursuing the things on His heart, but we can’t do this alone. Passion kept to oneself fades over time. Love unexpressed grows cold. A coal pulled from the fire flags quickly.
Jesus never intended for us to do the Christian walk without help, from God and from others. By His Spirit, and the fellowship of believers, we can experience rich communion. That’s why Paul prays in Ephesians 3:16–19 that we would “comprehend with all the saints . . . the love of Christ which passes knowledge.” This is our portion—fiery love from God, for God, and for one another!
But our enemy knows this, and so he does all he can to assault the knowledge of God’s love. The accuser tries to keep believers isolated from Jesus and from one another, so that they never fulfill their calling in God.
Satan fears Christ’s Bride, His Body in the end times, that will advance on the gates of hell and topple them—but only as she walks in Christ-like unity and love for one another!
That’s why there’s such a battle for our attention, relationships, and loyalty. The Holy Spirit’s first priority is to establish the first commandment as first place—loving God with all of our heart, mind, and soul—while our adversary fights night and day to stop the power that is unleashed there.
With so great a destiny ahead, it’s important to ask if we are letting anything get in the way. Is there a lie or past hurt that’s holding us back? Have we blocked off certain areas of our hearts, minds, and relationships from God’s love? Maybe we’re just we’re hurt by others in the Body and need help trusting again.
Now is a good time to consider how we can walk in our full calling in God. Or are we settling for less—either because we don’t think there’s more or can’t see how to get there?
Whatever we’re facing, this is a good time to focus on Jesus, to come and press into His fiery love. Do it in the company of believers, locking arms with the Body to go further together. One touch of His passion is enough to change the hardest soul, mind, or heart!
