One

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. " John 17:20-23 (NKJV)

Jesus' death was imminent. In light of the coming circumstances Jesus turned His attention to a subject that was near and dear to His heart and began to pray. Out of all the possibilities Jesus could have prayed for, He prayed for the unity of the Believers. Not just those who were following Jesus at the time, but the future generations of the Church that would be established by the Disciples' evangelistic efforts.

The following question needs to be carefully considered: "How unified is God the Father and God the Son?" If we consider God's "oneness" to be significant--we must also take that same standard and apply it to the Church. Jesus' prayer does not allow for a lot of wriggle room, He prayed specifically, "Father make them one as You and I are one...that the world may believe that You sent Me." Was Jesus serious? If unity was a goal of the Founder and Lord of the Church, is it a matter that should be important to us today?

I would argue that the unity of the Church should matter to Believers for two reasons: Firstly, it was of great importance to Jesus. Secondly, it is a significant sign to the "world" that Jesus is who He said He was! So...how do we get there? I have three very simple suggestions:

1. Join with Jesus and pray for unity. (God may be using the moral decline in our country to separate the sheep from the goats and to form us into the Church that is "Without Spot or Wrinkle")
2. Focus on that which unifies us, rather than some of the more minor doctrinal issues that seem to cause division. (The Apostle's Creed seems like a great starting point)
3. Cross denominational lines to build friendships with fellow Christians in other Church bodies. (I am not suggesting that we all live under the same roof--I am suggesting that we become neighbors who love and prefer one another) 

Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I join my voice with that of Your Son, bring about a new unity in Your Church. Cause us to love one another and may we rally around issues such as a deep love and respect for Your Word--the desire to make Disciples of every tribe, tongue and nation--to stand united against evil and expose the darkness. Make us into the salt that changes the direction of our culture, and into the light that shatters the lies of the enemy. Amen"