"Unity" | February 2, 2025 | Ps Joel Lowery

In a world that often champions individualism and self-reliance, the concept of deep, meaningful connection within a faith community can seem counterintuitive. Yet, this connection is not just beneficial—it's essential to our spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's plan for His church.

Think about the classic game of Connect Four. The goal is simple: be the first to align four of your colored discs in a row. But the strategy? That's where things get interesting. You can't just focus on your own moves; you must anticipate your opponent's strategy while building towards your goal. In many ways, this game mirrors our journey of faith and connection within the church.

The Foundation: Christ as the Cornerstone

Just as in Connect Four, where your first move sets the stage for the entire game, our foundation in faith is crucial. Ephesians 2:19-20 reminds us, "Together we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself." This truth is paramount—any attempt to build meaningful connections on any other foundation is like trying to win Connect Four by placing your discs in mid-air.

Our unity, our purpose, our very existence as a church family hinges on Jesus Christ. It's not about aligning perfectly on every theological point, sharing the same cultural background, or even preferring the same worship style. The bedrock of our connection is Christ alone.

The Necessity of Others

In our individualistic culture, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we can go it alone in our faith journey. However, Scripture paints a different picture. 1 Peter 5:8-9 warns us, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

Picture a lone animal on the African savanna, separated from its herd. It becomes an easy target for predators. Similarly, when we isolate ourselves from the body of Christ, we become vulnerable to spiritual attacks. The strongest among us can fall when alone, but even the weakest can find protection within the community of believers.

Your Role in the Body

While it's crucial to recognize our need for others, it's equally important to understand that others need us too. Romans 12:4-5 beautifully illustrates this concept: "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other."

This truth should revolutionize how we view our place in the church. You are not just a passive recipient of ministry; you are an integral part of the body, uniquely gifted and positioned to serve others. The church isn't complete without you functioning in your God-given role.

Consider this: God doesn't have a closet full of spare body parts. When one member of the body decides they're too busy or too tired to fulfill their function, there isn't a replacement waiting in the wings. Your gifts, your presence, your participation—they matter deeply to the health and function of the entire body.

The World Needs Us United

Our connection within the body of Christ isn't just for our own benefit—it's for the sake of a broken world desperately in need of hope. In Acts 2:1, we see the early believers "meeting together in one place" (the Greek word used here, homothumadon, implies a deep unity and purposeful movement together). This unity created the perfect environment for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully, resulting in thousands coming to faith.

Jesus himself emphasized the evangelistic power of our unity in John 13:34-35: "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

Our love for one another, our willingness to forgive, to overlook faults, to give the benefit of the doubt—these actions don't just make church a pleasant experience. They serve as a powerful testimony to a watching world of the transformative power of Christ.

Practical Steps Towards Meaningful Connection

So how do we move from understanding the importance of connection to actually experiencing it? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Prioritize Christ as your foundation. Regularly examine your heart to ensure you haven't allowed other things to take His place.

2. Be intentional about fellowship. Don't wait for others to reach out—take the initiative to build relationships within your faith community.

3. Discover and use your spiritual gifts. If you're unsure what they are, seek guidance from church leaders or take a spiritual gifts assessment.

4. Practice forgiveness and grace. Remember, a united church doesn't mean a perfect church. We're all works in progress.

5. Look for opportunities to serve. When we serve alongside others, we often form deep, lasting connections.

6. Be vulnerable. Authentic relationships require openness and honesty about our struggles and victories.

In conclusion, meaningful connection within the body of Christ isn't just a nice add-on to our faith—it's an essential component of our spiritual growth and our witness to the world. Like a well-played game of Connect Four, when we align ourselves with Christ and with one another, we create a beautiful picture of God's love and power.

As you reflect on your own level of connection within your faith community, ask yourself: Are you positioned to win? Are you building on the right foundation? Are you allowing others to play their part in your spiritual journey, and are you fulfilling your role in theirs? Remember, in this game of spiritual Connect Four, we all win when we're united in Christ.