The whole Church is destined to become a part of God through Jesus Christ. Perhaps we experience one millionth part of such unity when we have fellowship with other true disciples of the Lord. But the fullness of such relationships will not be realized until the Lord returns and we all are filled with the same Glory that God has given Jesus Christ. Christ has given us that Glory that we all may be one as He and the Father are One.

If we go through life, even as a Christian, maintaining our own way, not making the effort to become one with Christ as He is One with the Father, when the Lord returns we will not be brought into the Oneness of the Body of Christ. We would not fit. We would rip the seamless robe of Christ.

If we do not have untroubled relationships with fervent disciples now we shall not be forced into such relationships at the coming of the Lord. We shall remain alone, not rightly related to God, Christ, or the saints. This is what we have chosen, and this is what shall be given to us when the Lord returns.

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. (Revelation 22:12—NIV)

Status

To some people, importance and prominence are of great worth. Perhaps this is why people enter politics or seek to become head of this organization or that enterprise. Often they have to work harder than anyone else and are buried under responsibilities and worries of all kinds.

One wonders: "Why are they so desperate to carry such a load?" They may give as the reason that they are trying to accomplish some righteous purpose. And perhaps in some cases this is the truth. But how often the real reason is that they want to be important and prominent.

What a bondage!—but so much a part of those who are ambitious.

The Lord Jesus Christ is King of all kings and Lord of all lords. But look at how He humbled Himself while He was on the earth.

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8—NIV)

Because of His willingness to take the lowest place, God has exalted Christ above every other ruler in the universe.

Until we are joyously willing to sweep up behind the horses in the royal parade we have no business riding in the head chariot.

The disciples actually argued about who among them would be the greatest in the Kingdom. Jesus told them they needed to be converted.

But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. (Luke 22:26—NIV)

To be continued.