We live in such a fractured world. More than ever before in our western culture, a sense of unity, of common purpose, of shared belief, or of the value of people sharing faith or purpose in life together, is being eroded. Yes, it does still exist in pockets, but those pockets often see themselves as distinct and different and better perhaps then the pocket alongside of them. Such is the nature of disunity.
In last weekend’s election, any of you who voted, did you notice the length of the white sheet that listed all of the candidates in all of the different political parties all seeking to take their place in the political scene? 51 individual people across a spread of different parties and ideologies! All asking our support for their particular brand of politics, none necessarily arguing for good of all.
What is it that so divides us? Perhaps that’s answered in answering this question: what is it that shapes our motives and desires?
My Power. My Comfort. My Resource. My Influence.  They are all based on self-interest – what’s good for me.
When these things are placed above what Jesus asks of us, especially given his selfless love for us and the whole world, then how can we not acknowledge his prayer for us and the world, and be on one mind with him, working together with single minded unity and purpose. Do we truly want deeper relationship and the blessings they bring? Then we need to get deeper into Jesus and his prayer for us and the world. When we do that we will place the needs of others over ourselves and not surprisingly discover a deeper satisfaction in serving together with Jesus for the sake of all people.