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Unity, March 18
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on
me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in
me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may
believe that thou hast sent me.
John 17:20, 21
.
Harmony and union existing among men of varied dispositions is the
strongest witness that can be borne that God has sent His Son into the world
to save sinners. It is our privilege to bear this witness. But, in order to do this,
we must place ourselves under Christ’s command. Our characters must be
molded in harmony with His character, our wills must be surrendered to His
will. Then we shall work together without a thought of collision.
Little differences dwelt upon lead to actions that destroy Christian fellow-
ship. Let us not allow the enemy thus to gain the advantage over us. Let us
keep drawing nearer to God and to one another. Then we shall be as trees of
righteousness, planted by the Lord, and watered by the river of life. And how
fruitful we shall be! Did not Christ say: “Herein is my Father glorified, that
ye bear much fruit” (
John 15:8
)?
The heart of the Saviour is set upon His followers’ fulfilling God’s purpose
in all its height and depth. They are to be one in Him, even though they are
scattered the world over. But God cannot make them one in Christ unless
they are willing to give up their own way for His way.
When Christ’s prayer is fully believed, when its instruction is brought
into the daily life of God’s people, unity of action will be seen in our ranks.
Brother will be bound to brother by the golden bonds of the love of Christ.
The Spirit of God alone can bring about this oneness. He who sanctified
Himself can sanctify His disciples. United with Him, they will be united with
one another in the most holy faith. When we strive for this unity as God
desires us to strive for it, it will come to us.—
Testimonies for the Church
8:242, 243
.
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