There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called. . . .

— Ephesians 4:4

On August 4, 1983, Thomas Sankara, a young military captain, and his supporters took power in the country of Upper Volta and renamed it Burkina Faso. Four years later he was assassinated. He left no property or money. His legacy was the example of one who loved his country, served it with self-sacrifice, and treated women, children, and farmers with dignity. Today he is still an example for millions of young people in Africa: a leader who wanted to serve his brothers and sisters. He loved his country with all his heart. He also fought for African unity.

In some ways this young leader’s example reminds me of the only man who lived to serve, Jesus Christ. Our Lord prayed that his church would be united, that all who believe in him would be one. In that way the church can be a unified body. Even though it has many members, it is one because all have the same Spirit and the same hope.

The unity of the church is the foundation for serving one another. Just as all the parts of a physical body work together for the good of the whole body, so the members of the church serve each other. We don’t reject or compete with each other; we complement one another.

What obstacles might your congregation be facing in terms of unity? How can you and your family promote the unity of the body of Christ?

Lord of the church, we thank you for giving your life so that we can have life. Help us to promote unity in the church today, serving you and one another. Amen.