Sports Spectrum Daily Devotional: Monday, June 1

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” — Ephesians 4:4-6

Called to Unity

Every sports team differentiates itself with distinctly unique colors. This does much more than help fans distinguish between teams on the playing field, as this uniqueness provides a source of unity, not only for the players, but for the entire organization and fanbase.

Similarly, the Church has a singular source of unity. It’s powerful and eternal. We are utterly unique on earth. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.

The Greek word for ”Church” is a “ekklēsia,” which means “called out.” We have been called to follow Christ’s agenda. Jesus prayed for us in John 17:16-18: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”

We have been called out of the world, set apart (or sanctified) and sent into the world as His ambassadors for the Gospel — one body to serve, one spirit to follow, focused on the singular “hope,” which is the promise of Paradise! That’s why Paul exhorted to them, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). It’s essential to our calling.

Jerry Birch, Cleveland Cavaliers chaplain

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