Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 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 4:3-6
 
Yesterday, we looked at Paul’s “one” beats. Today, we’ll look at his “all” beats. Particularly, note how Paul says that we have one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. What’s he doing with these prepositions?
 
Of all … this means that we have the same God and Father. Each of us and each Christian church. He claims us despite our brokenness and flaws. He loves us. In the miracle of his mercy and grace, we belong to him and he belongs to us.
 
How might this influence our relationships with people with whom we might disagree?
 
Over all … none of us is in charge. Our God and Father stands above each and every one of us. He has all authority and ultimate power. We take our places at his table with humility and gratitude as he presides over the celebratory feast that is the Christian life. We are not in charge. The One who knows all and forgives all and loves all is the one in charge. His ways are higher than ours and we dwell in the safety of his wings.
 
How might this influence our relationships with people with whom we might disagree?
 
Through all … our God and Father gets to decide where we’re going. He isn’t just in charge; he’s charting our course and we’re going somewhere. Through all of us, God is bringing his kingdom to bear on a broken world, bring healing and hope and life to every corner of the cosmos. We’re all included in this in our own way.
 
How might this influence our relationships with people with whom we might disagree?
 
In all … don’t decide you’re not qualified to participate! Our God and Father has decided to include each of us in his kingdom work. He’ll fill us and equip us to do what he wants us to do. He will give you the wisdom and talent and strength and opportunities in just the right time. He will make sure you don’t get left out.
 
How might this influence our relationships with people with whom we might disagree?
 
God’s radical inclusivity and authority and benevolence and empowerment tell us that our work to keep the unity of the Spirit isn’t happening in a vacuum. Around every corner and along every sunbeam our God is engaged with our world for its betterment. Our work to keep the unity of the Spirit is a small but important part of what’s happening.
 
Aren’t you glad we’re not in this on our own?