Under God?Exemplo

Answer Jesus’ Prayer

This Bible Plan accompanies Pastor Craig Groeschel’s message series which is inspired by some of the words in the United States’ Pledge of Allegiance. If you grew up in the U.S., you have these words memorized. If you didn’t, here they are.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 

Most countries write something like this with the intention of creating unity in the minds and hearts of its citizens. We’ve talked about how as the Church, we’re one nation—not a physical one, but a holy nation. We’ve talked about how we’re under God. But are we indivisible?

Our physical nations are definitely not indivisible. We have divisive politics, wars, culture wars, and dueling regions. In fact, most of our nations seem outright addicted to division. So, what about the Church? We’ve been divided by theology, music, personality, failure, age, culture, seating arrangements, money, technology, and even sillier things.

Maybe this is why when Jesus prayed one of His only recorded prayers, He prayed for complete unity in the Church. He prayed that we would be one. Why? “… Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:23 NIV

When we’re united, Jesus’ prayer is answered, and the whole world sees the Gospel.

So, how does the Church become undivided? It happens one heart at a time. King David, who God called a man after His own heart, knew this when he asked God for an undivided heart. A divided heart wants to do opposing things. James, Jesus’ brother, said this kind of double-mindedness leads to instability everywhere. The Apostle Paul pointed this out when he talked about wanting to do this but doing that instead. We want to serve God, and we want to serve ourselves. We have divided hearts. If we want unity in the Church, let’s start with hearts.

Three action steps:

1. Ask Jesus, what do I do that separates me from You? Would You help me stop?
2. Tell Jesus, I want to be part of what You’re doing. Where do I sign up?
3. Show people, I serve God, not me, not my comfort, culture, or politics