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United in Christ, June 13
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 17:21
.
The solemn, earnest prayer of Christ ... reaches down along the line
to our time. What a position is this for fallen man to attain through
obedience—oneness with God through Jesus Christ! To what heights we
are permitted to rise if we will have respect unto the recompense of the
reward! We are to receive power from God that human nature, under the
divine working, may not always be perverted and not always be under
the depraving, corrupting influence of sin. Human nature, through Jesus
Christ, becomes allied to angels—yes, even to the great God.
Those who are truly connected with God will not be at variance with
one another.... His Spirit ruling in their hearts will create harmony, love,
and unity. The opposite of this works in the children of Satan; there is
with them a continual contradiction. Strife and envy and jealousy are the
ruling elements. The characteristic of the Christian is the meekness of
Christ. Benevolence, kindness, mercy, and love originate from Infinite
Wisdom, while the opposite is the unholy fruit of a heart that is not in
harmony with Jesus Christ....In union there is strength. In division there
is weakness and defeat.
The most convincing argument we can give to the world of Christ’s
mission is to be found in perfect unity....In proportion to our unity with
Christ will be our power to save souls.
If we reach the standard of perfection, our peculiar traits of disposition
must be molded in harmony with Christ’s will. Then we shall sit together
in heavenly places in Christ. Brethren will work together, without a
thought of collision. Little differences, dwelt upon, lead to actions that
destroy Christian fellowship.... Let us keep drawing near to God, and He
will draw near to us. Then, as one, we shall reach upward to Him. The
churches will be as gardens of the Lord, under His cultivation. God’s
people will be trees of righteousness, planted by the Lord, and watered
with the river of life.
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