Jr High Blog

Happy New Year!

It is so exciting to begin January together as we hit the ground running after a refreshing Christmas and New Year’s break. This month, we turn the page in Ephesians to chapter 4, a chapter that marks the beginning of our story. If you’re someone who enjoys setting New Year’s resolutions, my hope is that this chapter inspires you.

From September through December, we walked through Ephesians chapters 1–3, where we learned God’s story: the gospel story. We discovered who we are in Christ because of who He is, what He has done for us, and how we are called to be rooted and established in His love. Now, in chapter 4, we begin learning how to live that truth out as followers of Christ.

Paul opens Ephesians 4 by saying, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” From behind prison bars, Paul urges believers to live in a way that reflects God’s calling and purpose. That calling begins with unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. In a world where differences often divide us, God invites us to see our differences as gifts meant to unite us.

One image I love is that of a puzzle. Each of us is a unique piece in God’s masterpiece: different cultures, ethnicities, experiences, passions, strengths, and backgrounds. It can be challenging to engage with people who are very different from us, but I’m always humbled when I remember that I am simply one piece of the puzzle, just as others are. Together, we form God’s complete design, unified in Him and working for His greater purpose.

Jesus secured unity through His death on the cross, bringing Jew and Gentile together into one family. Today, that family includes people from every background, and through Christ, we are united as one. From this foundation of unity, Paul gives us practical guidance for Christian living in Ephesians 4. He challenges us to move:

• From anger to peace (Ephesians 4:25–27)
• From stealing to generosity (Ephesians 4:28)
• From unwholesome talk to encouragement (Ephesians 4:29)
• From bitterness and revenge to forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31–32)

As we turn away from anger, selfishness, gossip, and resentment, we draw closer to Jesus. When we draw closer to Jesus, we draw closer to one another.

I’m encouraged that we can see this unity at work across our district. Each day we begin in prayer, encourage one another as followers of Christ, gather for chapel, and watch students continue to grow in their faith. These rhythms remind us that unity in Christ is not just something we talk about; it’s something we live out together.

Here are more beautiful examples of the unity I’ve witnessed at CCS recently:

• In choir performances, students sing different parts and harmonies, contributing their unique talents to create one beautiful song.
• In basketball games, players have different positions and must use their individual strengths to work together as a team.
• In the high school multicultural club, students gather to celebrate the diversity of God’s creation, learning from different cultures and perspectives as they grow together as the body of Christ.

Unity is a beautiful gift from God, and the best part is we don’t have to create it ourselves. God has already established unity through His Spirit. Our calling is to recognize it, cultivate it, and protect it.

My prayer for you this month, as you set goals and seek God, is that you would be aware of the unity Jesus has already given us and that you would actively pursue it as you lean into the calling God has placed on your life.

RightNow Media Recommendations:

Ephesians 4 – The Book of Ephesians, session 5:

https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/player/video/195647?session=202598&position=0

Ephesians 4 – Intro for Kids: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/player/video/257963?session=266483&position=0