“Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called ‘uncircumcised’ by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. “  Ephesians 2:11-12 

We live in a day in our culture where unity, in many ways, appears to be a hopeless ideal and a thing of the past. As our culture becomes increasingly polarized, we seem more and more hostile toward those who disagree with us. 

In fact, recent research from the Pew Research Group shows that people with opposing views are seen as the greatest threat to our nation. And this is true on both sides of the conversation. We agree that we are divided, and it is the other side’s fault! 

Given our current cultural moment, it would have been hard to understand the hostility between the Jews and the Gentiles. It was cultural, racial, and religious, all at the same time. They hated one another. The hostility was so intense that it was unlawful for a Jew to help a Gentile woman give birth because that would be helping bring another godless heathen into the world. There was racism, classism, and elitism so intense that the Gentiles had no hope of being “right with God” because they did not have the covenants of promise and the law of God like the Jews.  

When Paul says “remember,” they haven’t forgotten the pain of the hostility. But amid division, “remember” so that you can clearly see the power of the gospel! 

Paul does not begin Ephesians talking about unity in the church. He knows if the church is to be united, then the Gospel of Jesus Christ must be the primary and central focus. Jesus must be the point. When Jesus is the point, we are reminded of what God has done to reconcile us to Himself. Living in that reality empowers us to be a picture of unity in the world around us. 

The Gospel is the common belief that unites the Church and leads to the purpose of exalting Jesus above all else.

Unity is not the goal.

Exalting Jesus above all else is the goal.

Unity is the byproduct. 

When we are all united in the goal of exalting Jesus Christ above all else, we become a picture of unity and reconciliation that stands out in the world.  

The Gospel changes everything! The wall between God and us has been torn down! 

What can you do to help tear down walls of division and hostility?

In your church?

In your workplace?

In your home?

Taken from a sermon by George Wright, Senior Pastor, Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL

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