Getting Synchronized

Saturday - August 21st

Scripture to Read Today: Ephesians 4:1-6

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Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

In 2013, Los Angeles became the first major city in the world to synchronize all its traffic lights. Nearly 4,400 lights across 469 miles receive real-time updates about traffic flow to make second-by-second adjustments. It is hard to believe for those who live in the LA area, but the system limits congestion.

The city promised a 16 percent boost in travel speeds and a 12 percent reduction in travel time as a result of the system. City officials also claim that reducing idling time has prevented 1 million metric tons of carbon from entering the atmosphere per year.

The nearly decade-old system benefits vehicles, buses, and bikers. Buses running behind schedule enjoy extended green lights, and the sensors can detect bikes. The system does not detect pedestrians, but it does extend walk signs during important events. According to officials, it's doing what a transportation network is supposed to do: getting people where they need to go as fast and effectively as possible.

Like a good traffic signal system, the church is called on by Jesus to be synchronized. When we strive for unity with other brothers and sisters in Christ, we function as the light and salt that our Lord has called us to be. Our unity is not to be rooted in our opinions, preferences, or ideology. We synchronize best to each other when we all synchronize to the person and work of Jesus. He is the basis of our unity.

Paul challenged the believers in the first-century church at Ephesus to pursue and strive for unity. "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). Satan loves it when we either fight or drift apart from others in the body of Christ. He knows how ineffective and inefficient the church is when it is divided for any reason.

Seek out a fellow follower of Christ today. Let them know how much you appreciate their presence in your life. Express your availability if they need anything from you. Strive to be synchronized with others in the Lord! Make every effort to keep unity!

Getting synchronized in Christ with other believers is mission-critical for the church to flourish in our world today!