Our society places a high value on rugged individuality. Many a hero sweeps in, saves the damsel, and defeats the enemy all on their own. Maybe there is a sidekick along for the ride. However, when it comes to transforming the lives of millions of teenagers, no one can do it alone.
Jesus had it figured out so many years ago. We are better together. That is why He prayed for all of us.
John 17:20-23
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Jesus wanted us to work together
Before we were even born Jesus prayed for us to be unified. He cared so much about unity that before he died he wanted to make sure we knew. And the common denominator is that Jesus is in us just as the Father is in Jesus. Somehow God is hanging out inside our bodies. And He is also hanging out inside all the other believers regardless of ethnicity, denomination or political stance. He glories in us working together with Him.
Unity reflects who God is
Jesus wanted us to be one just like He is one with the Father. There is unity among God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. I don’t get how the Trinity works. However, I do know that God is one in purpose and direction and wants us to be the same. His desire and energy is to be united with us.
Our unity shares His message
When we are unified with God and each other it naturally shares who God is. Our working together has the purpose of being in partnership with God. He chose us to represent Him here on earth to those who do not yet know Jesus intimately. If churches bicker or ignore each other they do not share who God is. The message becomes diluted by petty arguments and stubborn pride. When we are in Jesus and working together with our brothers and sisters, people will see the difference and know the message God is sharing.
That is why I choose to work with National Network of Youth Ministries. Their focus is to live out the slogan “We are better together”. My dream is to see 1.6 billion teenagers in community with Jesus. There is no way I can do it alone. Become a member of NNYM and help us work together so that the world may know.
Working Together 