One For All

In his novel, The Three Musketeers, Alexandre Dumas  introduces us to a young man named d’Artagnan who leaves home to become a guard of the musketeers. Oh, goodness, the adventures of d’Artagnan and his friends – Athos, Portos, and Artemis.  Perhaps we remember best their motto: “tous pour un, un pour tous” (all for one, one for all).

This culture doesn’t promote “one” much.  We tend to think in terms of pairs, couples, groups, dozens, and such.  The band, “Three Dog Night,” even sang “one is the loneliest number.”  This is just not so for Christians!  “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:5-6)  Isn’t it awesome The One God and Father Who created and sustains heaven, earth, and man is all-sufficient … all by Himself!  His Oneness provides the above-all, through-all, and in-all of … all!  How else dare we live “a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” as commanded in Verses 1-3?  We do this by grace abiding in One God – One Father - One Spirit.  The One Who walked among men set the example and established The Oneness for Believers.  “They are one in His choice, one in His purpose, one in His covenant, one in His heart.”  (Winslow)  This is how we are one with Him!  The musketeers’ motto is better said: All for The One and The One for all.  What a precious and blessed truth!