United We Stand

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Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:14 (NLT)

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What a ride! When I think back across the long history of the human race, what obstacles we have faced! As I think about that more, the more amazing the truth - when something comes up against humanity, we respond by coming together. We work together. We put our differences aside. We overcome. We are a people who overcome.

When we unite, we thrive.

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed that same sense of community that has got us this far and through the obstacles of the past. Just 6 months ago, we were a divided people; politically and societally. Community appeared fractured. Households torn apart. A country on the brink.

Now, though, the change is unbelievable. We have pulled together to fight off this horrific pandemic. To fight for those who can’t. To protect those who are vulnerable. To appreciate those who fight on our behalf. Fundamentally, we have remembered what it is like to love once again. However, division appears to be weaving its way back in and on reflection, we can’t forget who got us this far.

You see, as Christians, we are called to something greater, to someone greater. More than mere human unity. We are called to unity with God. The creator of the universe and the author of all things. You see, united with God, we stand. Divided from Him we fall. We only have to look at the stories found in the Old Testament to realise the truth in that statement. Now is no different. God hasn’t abandoned us. He hasn’t walked away. The terms and conditions haven’t changed. He has remained the same through it all. So today the challenge isn’t in playing your part in human unity but the challenge is will you seek Him? Are you united with Christ?

In Christ alone, I stand.

Will you stand too?

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song This Cornerstone, this solid Ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My Comforter, my All in All Here in the love of Christ I stand.

No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.