We find ourselves in a world that is at a historical level of disagreement and division, and as such, the importance of unity, of being one single embodiment of Christ here on earth has never had greater value than it does right here, right now.

In first Corinthians 12:12, the many individual followers of Christ (that’s us) are described as the body of Christ: “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.”

And yet though we are one body, so often we find ourselves disagreeing, and attacking other churches, other denominations, for “not thinking and believing exactly like us.” What foolishness. Does the eye distain the hand for not seeing, or the foot disregard the mouth for not moving us anywhere? No, of course not. For we all have a purpose to fulfill as one unified body.

I ask, what could we achieve if we stopped nitpicking on little details, and simply came together as one church declaring the coming of Jesus Christ and simply became one radiant light shining from the mountaintop.

We have a reached a season where we must ask ourselves, “have I become so loyal to a single pastor, church, or denomination, that my faith placed there has overshadowed my Love for God and His vision for His bride the church?” I certainly hope not.

Now is the time to come together as one, unified body, for what an amazing impact we can have when all corners come together, the teachers, the prophets, the evangelists, the apostles, the healers, all walking with the same purpose to be a light, and to love like Jesus loved. For unity not only brings us peace, but God's authority, for who would listen to one arguing amongst himself, over the hundred millions of brothers and sisters who stand in agreement?

It is such an incredible joy, and a sweet aroma to the Father, to come together as that single body working together with a purpose. I thank God for the many different opinions, mindsets, and perspectives that we are given, allowing us to think, and question, and grow. And I encourage this in everybody, no matter how certain you are of all of your theological findings, allow for the “wow moments” in which somebody reveals Christ to you in a whole new way, so much so that it turns your world upside down and shakes your theology to its core. For this is what Jesus did, he broke the expectation of culture, to create a new and clean heart within those He passed by.

Bless one another as you step out into the beginning of your day, and watch the transformation that happens with a simple shift of perspective into full unity. 

Justin Gardner pastors at River of Life Fellowship, 702 Church St., Sandpoint. The church can be reached at 208-255-7111.