Scripture for Today: Galatians 3:28  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Every day between four and five o’clock, an enormous flock of crows would fly “en masse” to the trees across from us.  They would congregate on the upper branches making a huge racket!  But what impresses me most is how they could stay together in what looked like effortless synchronization!

Flying together has its advantages.  Together they are more likely to spot predators.  The birds find food more quickly and they save energy by flying together with the draft they create.  One would think that there is some designated leader to organize the flock.  But in fact, their behavior is a result of each bird following some simple rules.  Researchers have discovered details on how they come together and stay together.  But no one has been able to pinpoint the source of this instinctive behavior.

Our verse for today describes a coming together that is not so natural.  Believers can achieve oneness in Jesus Christ.  Regardless of race, social status, or gender, followers of the Lord have a unity that is remarkable!  Unlike the “birds of a feather who flock together,” the body of Christ is incredibly diverse.  People that would not normally come together find themselves sharing a deep bond in our shared love of Jesus!

What a beautiful testimony to find this unity in a world that is so divided!  Love that reaches across generation, gender and race is the mark of a Christian (Mark 13:35).  It is not natural.  It is supernatural and can only happen with the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Lord, thank you that You bring together what the world does not!

Scripture for Today:  Philippians 2:1-2  “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and consolation, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

This image of perfect synchronized flying is amazing!  These geese must have the same destination in their little bird brains!  But more than that, they are flying at the same height and speed to get there!  No one is jostling for position or lagging behind in fatigue.  Their united purpose brings them together and keeps them together.

In the verse for today, Paul seems to think that Christians can be united in spirit.  Not only that but he seems to be saying that believers can be in agreement, loving one another and intent on going in the same direction!  How does that happen?  When there is encouragement.  When there is consolation.  When there is fellowship and affection for one another.

I am going in the same direction as so many other believers.  Like them, my desire is to grow in faith and be more like Jesus.  It is a long life-time purpose.  But going it alone is not what the Lord wants.  Just as I take notice of these three geese flying in perfect harmony, so the world sits up and takes notice of believers that are showing love and unity.

Being united and showing love to one another is something supernatural.  It is what signals to the world that we are disciples of Jesus (John 13:35).  I not only need the love and encouragement of other believers to keep going, but “flying together” brings honor to Christ!  Through our unity we can keep on keeping on, together!