Made One in Christ: Scripture Writing Plan June 2019

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3.27-28, ESV

We often hear the quote, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Children might attempt to cook (or pretend to cook) alongside their parents or work on their toy car while their father works under the family car. A budding artist might attempt to reproduce the signature technique of a master artist. In each case, the imitation springs from admiration. Similarly, when we are united with Christ, we are so in awe of who He is that we attempt to imitate his example.

Jesus is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and the three work harmoniously together in a unique and exquisite relationship. Within Jesus’ church we attempt, like children, to imitate their example of unity. Unfortunately, these attempts are often blundered by our lack of understanding. Not everyone has their eyes fixed on the Master at all times. We get caught up in something else (often our own personal interests) and forget that our job is to watch Him and imitate Him. Some break away from Christ’s purpose for the church, trying to promote worldly ideals rather than diligently pursuing God’s pattern. It is a challenge to maintain the oneness with God and with each other when so many forces work to pull us apart.

Do not misunderstand—I do not advocate peace at any price. What I do advocate is following the Master (Christ) who is One with the Father (God) and has given us The Helper (The Holy Spirit) to work within us. Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit are One. As His children, we will be able to serve Him with a common love, a common purpose, and a common goal when we keep pointing our hearts and each other to Christ. We will never have unity if we aren’t serving and imitating the same master.

For the month of June, my sister in Christ, Liz Smith, provided me with several scriptures on this idea of Oneness. One Church. One purpose. One mind. One body. She has collaborated with me on many of these plans and I am so grateful for her help!

This plan highlights our oneness in Christ, His oneness with God, the singleness of purpose, and how there is only One Church (Jesus’ church), One Shepherd (Jesus), One Hope, One Faith, etcetera. One of my friends told me that when she does one of these plans, she will read the entire chapter before writing out that day’s scripture, allowing her to have a short “bible study” in addition to the scripture writing. What I love about this approach is that it allows her to get the entire context of the selected passages, which is vital to understanding the scripture.

I have set up a printable PDF with a full plan on the left side of the page and a shorter “kids plan” on the right-hand side of the page. With summer in full swing, this might be an excellent time to get your kids a journal and some markers or pens and work side-by-side on a scripture writing plan. Make it part of a quiet routine together each day. Be the concrete “example” for them to imitate. Click the link below to download the PDF and/or save the image above to your phone or tablet. The PDF can be cut or folded in half and stowed in a bible or journal for quick reference.

May the Lord bless you in your study and meditation on His words. It is my prayer that the more we look on His face, the more we will become like Him and magnify Him to this dark world.