There Is Only One (Ephesians 4:4)
"There is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism." Ephesians 4:5 KSB
In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul boldly declares that there is only one body, one Spirit, and we have been called into one hope of our calling. Over the next few days, I will be exploring the powerful truth that there is only one, one power, one presence, and one source of all life. That power and presence is God. It is good, it is in us, it flows through us, and it works as us. I AM one with God. I AM one with all life. I AM one with the One, because there is only one. Paul says there is only one Spirit. Some may call alcohol “spirits,” and others may believe in many dark or negative forces, but the truth is there is only one Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit. This divine breath of life is in every person. It is the breath causing our lungs to expand and contract, the one breath God breathed into humanity’s nostrils at creation.
God formed us from the dust of the ground and gave us His Spirit. Each day, we choose whether to follow the breath, the Spirit or to follow the dust, the physical, ego-driven, lower self. But there is only one Spirit, the Holy Spirit, leading us into all truth. Paul also says there is only one body, the body of Christ. This is not the physical body of Jesus but the Christ consciousness unfolding in humanity. The body of Christ has many members with different roles and functions, just as the human body has organs, bones, arteries, and systems working together. The hand cannot say to the foot, “I don’t need you,” nor can we all be the same part. We are all necessary, valued, and connected.
As the body of Christ, we are the physical manifestation of God on earth. Jesus set the example: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Everything He was, we are- light of the world, salt of the earth, good shepherd, living water, bread of life, the door, the true vine. We continue His message, ministry, and mission, and even do greater works because the body grows and unfolds. Paul also mentions there is one hope of our calling and that hope is good. No matter what happens, we trust that all things are working together for our good. Even when others intend harm, God turns it for our benefit. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, His plans for us are to prosper us, not to harm us, and to give us hope and a future. We are called to be hope dealers in a world that desperately needs light.
In Part 2, we will explore what Paul means by “one Lord,” “one faith,” and “one baptism.”
📖 Reflection: How does knowing there is only one Spirit, one body, and one hope change the way you see yourself and others in Christ?
💡 Action Step: This week, practice unity by appreciating the different “members” of Christ’s body in your community.
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