How wonderful life on our planet would be if its citizens were not self-centred, mean and in constant opposition toward each other. Really, life on earth would be a foretaste of Heaven! Yes, we would go about rejoicing and boasting “we’re living the dream!” Is such a dream realistic and attainable or is it a “pie in the sky”, a pipe-dream? Friends, let me tell you, it is possible — I’m tasting it!
 
Only one thing is needed to halt all global hostility and reverse the divisiveness of civilization on our planet. That one thing is mankind striving for UNITY! Unity is a coveted relational state where diverse individuals of ethnic backgrounds peacefully co-exist through collaborating as “one” in mind, heart, and purpose — sharing essential common-good interests. Unity is Perfect Oneness!   
 
Those who belong to this world are spiritually blind and can’t possibly know what true unity looks like. The collective best efforts of world leaders have only been able to achieve momentary cessation of hostility between warring factions. While unity continues to elude them, thousands suffer and perish needlessly each day across the ever-worsening global landscape. Unity lies beyond human ability!
 
Friends, Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross, not only to “save” us from the penalty of our sins but also to “unite” us together with Himself, the Father, and the Spirit.  True “unity” is more than a name, it’s about being positioned in relationship with God, enabling us to see and function with a mindset that draws us together in perfect oneness. Unity is possible through Jesus!
 
Speaking to His Heavenly Father, Jesus said … “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in Me through their message.  I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one—as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in Us so that the world will believe You sent Me.  “I have given them the glory You gave Me, so they may be one as We are one.  I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me” (Jn.17:20-23). Jesus is praying for oneness, for you and me!
 
Jesus prayed for unity of love — a unity that results through submission and obedience to God and His will, following an abandonment of “self” and the world. Each time we share-in the Communion elements at church we should remind ourselves that through Christ all believers are united in perfect oneness — they belong to the “one” body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). This God-produced unity is a mystery that can only be realised by “how we live”, not just by “what we say”! Believers are united in perfect oneness!
 
Friends, the unity that Christ desires for you, me, and every other person, is the same kind of unity He enjoys with the Father: Just as You are in Me and I am in You (cf. Jn. 10:38; 1711,23). The Heavenly Father accomplished His works through the Son, and the Son always did what pleased the Father (Jn. 5:30; 8:29). This standard of oneness should be practiced by all true believers… making it possible for the spiritually blind of the world to see, marvel and desire! The world is in desperate need of oneness!
 
The good news is this: Through Christ crucified, “perfect oneness” is possible through entering into a love-relationship with the Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. Without this Divine union, marriages, parenting, society…civilisation cannot function in perfect oneness. Friends, Jesus is the “One” Maker!
 
Best wishes
Bill