Synergy and Unity

Scripture:

Eph. 3:7   Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. ⁸ Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, ⁹ and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; ¹⁰ so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. ¹¹ This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, ¹² in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. ¹³ I pray therefore that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory.

Observation:

The incredible mystery of God is revealed in Jesus Christ, and this is the mystery — that all things are to be united in Christ. The church is to be the expression of this unity, a place where all divisions are destroyed. There is to be no privilege in the church, and this was difficult for the Jews who saw themselves as spiritually superior. Paul was certain that this was possible, not through his own power, but through God’s mighty power. All of this to be revealed in the church. 

At the same time Paul sacrifices his own life in service to God. He brings his fervor, willingness to bear anything, and wisdom from God. The result is that God is glorified through Paul’s interaction, and God’s intervention. 

Application:

This vision of the church is fascinating. I’m not sure how many of us would embrace the idea that the church is a place in which the glorious mystery of Christ is revealed in unity, but that is the vision which is to be reflected to the world. This vision of unity can become a reality when God’s people embrace the gospel which Paul preached. 

At the same time we are to follow Paul and participate together with God in the mission. This is the synergy which occurs when God and human participate together. We cannot do this work on our own, but we can, when we participate with God. All our human skills and abilities become energized by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the work of the church is completed. 

This synergy means that a vision of unity can be realized. It’s not something that will just magically happen when we passively wait for God to work. We are to give ourselves to the vision, intentionally tearing down the walls of division and finding ways to reveal unity to the world. Paul spoke of the oneness in Christ, where there would be no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. In other words, intentional ministry means there is no spiritual hierarchy within the life of the church. All work together to becomes disciples of Jesus Christ. 

Synergy means we work to break down barriers which may be created by citizenship, race, economic status, educational level, and gender. This was the glorious vision that could become a reality in Christ. Where human systems fail, God can succeed, through miraculous power. 

Wouldn’t it be exciting to participate in an impossible mission, made possible by our participation with God? 

Prayer:

Lord, we live into your transforming power so that you may be glorified in all that we do. Amen.