Cohesion

Yesterday was my birthday, and we had lovely April showers all day long. Did I mind? Nope! I’ll bet you know why . . .

So this morning, I got to play. Here are a few huge drops resting among the leaves of Sedum out in the flower garden.

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How does the water hold together like that?

Cohesion

1. “The sticking together of particles of the same substance”

Here’s your science lesson for the day:

The positive and negative charges of the hydrogen and oxygen atoms that make up water molecules makes them attracted to each other.

USGS.gov

Water molecules like to stick together. Shouldn’t followers of Christ feel the same way about one another? We are of the same substance and part of the worldwide Body of Christ if we are saved: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 NLT).

Paul wrote to the church in Philippi: “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose“ (Philippians 2:1-2).

It’s hard to love one another and work together with the same mind and purpose if we’re living apart from each other. Yes, this pandemic has made things a bit interesting, but there are still ways to stick together with our brothers and sisters in Christ!

Can you imagine the effect on the church if this had happened even 25 years ago? But now we have social media, video conferencing, and text messaging (just to name a few) to stay in touch.

So if you’re feeling lonely, use the means at your disposal and reach out. Connecting with others is a two-way process — don’t sit back and wait for the phone to ring, pick it up and use it! Be the person who brightens someone else’s day, and you’ll feel lighter in return.

2. “The action of forming a united whole”

One molecule of water doesn’t seem that impressive. But when great numbers of them come together to form rivers and seas, what a force they are to be reckoned with!

The same should be true of the worldwide Church. Each follower of Christ is like a water molecule. We become part of something bigger when we join with a local body of believers (church). That church, in turn, may be part of a larger denomination, which together with other denominations makes up the vast sea of Christ followers around the world.

None of us was created to live out our lives as a single, unconnected individual. We are meant to be part of something much bigger than ourselves! And just so you know this isn’t my idea, here are a few encouragements from Scripture:

Jesus prayed for you and me when He prayed, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me” (John 17:20-21).

Paul wrote, “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

Paul wouldn’t have encouraged the church in Ephesus to “make every effort” if unity was an easy pursuit. Binding ourselves together takes hard work of patience, forgiveness and humility. But the results are so worth it, my friend!

What are your thoughts on unity in the Body of Christ? I’d love for you to share them in the comments below!