Starting as dancing droplets on the windshield, the rain increased in intensity as we drove down the road. My husband turned on the windshield wipers but then quickly turned them off. He did this over and over. When I looked at him quizzically, he explained that the passenger side wiper had stopped moving in sync with the one on the driver’s side. Turning them on long enough for both to move would have resulted in them striking against each other.
Looking the globe over, we can find any number of cultural mores that seek to influence—and even in some cases dictate—the interactions between a man and a woman, and especially those of a husband and wife. All of them, however, could be better shaped by this principle found in Scripture: Man and woman were created to live and move in unity.
Like two windshield wipers created to work in partnership, a husband and wife can be stronger and more effective when together (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). But two individuals choosing to marry may only set the stage for unity; its fulfillment rests on the will of both individuals. Covenant relationship, a spiritual principle authored by God, truly begins with the surrender of one’s individual rights so that His will might be the focus (Galatians 2:20). Before we can fulfill the command to “submit to one another,” we must first submit ourselves to Christ (Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:6).
An intimate relationship with God based in love and trust can lead to healthy relationships with others. And regardless of marital status, the call to unity is for the whole church (Psalm 133:1; John 17:11; 1 Peter 5:5). By God’s grace and power, all of us—male and female, young and old—can be one.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 7:13-29
More:
Read Philippians 2:1-15 and consider how you can begin building unity with other believers in Jesus.
Next:
How can you retain your unique personality and calling and yet walk in unity with other believers? How can your oneness with other believers reflect the loving relationships within the Trinity?
Ruth O'reilly-smith on July 4, 2015 at 6:12 am
Just as pressing responsibilities and expectations can pull a married couple out of sync if they don’t make time to regularly connect, so too can we fall out of step with the body of Christ if we don’t meet together and grow in our walk with God together. “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” Hebrews 10:25.
Regina Franklin on July 6, 2015 at 12:30 pm
Ruth–you hit the nail on the head. I get concerned when I see how “conditional” commitment can be to the church today. In my parents’ toughest seasons, they never let circumstances be a reason to keep them from gathering with the body of Christ, even when some of those tough places came from church hurts. I treasure the legacy they gave me in their resilient commitment to gathering with believers.
Gary Shultz on July 4, 2015 at 7:03 am
Nice article. Left alone we do self destruct by ourselves or joined in marriage. God knew that and offered us better, without His work there way to many fireworks. Hope you had a great 4th holiday. Thank you.
Regina Franklin on July 6, 2015 at 12:28 pm
Hi Gary, good point–“left alone” we move in self-destruct mode whether we are married or single. We had a restful 4th. So grateful for His freedom and believing He is at work both unifying and purifying His bride, the Church. Enjoy your week!
lamlite on July 4, 2015 at 9:58 am
Asking for forgiveness and having the spirit of forgiveness at all times is key to having unity in all relationships. This comes from saturating our minds and hearts with the Word of God and living in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is definitely a lifetime journey for us all. May God be with each of you in your journey of life with Christ, our Saviour and Lord.
Regina Franklin on July 6, 2015 at 12:24 pm
Great point Iamlite–unity is not about creating a perfect relational environment, but rather letting a perfect Creator work in the environment of our relationships.
Winn Collier on July 6, 2015 at 12:08 pm
“live and move in unity” – good reminder.
Regina Franklin on July 6, 2015 at 12:24 pm
Thanks, Winn. Praying your sabbatical has been life-giving.