Living in Unity

Scripture:

Psa. 133:1     How very good and pleasant it is
        when kindred live together in unity!
Psa. 133:2     It is like the precious oil on the head,
        running down upon the beard,
    on the beard of Aaron,
        running down over the collar of his robes.
Psa. 133:3     It is like the dew of Hermon,
        which falls on the mountains of Zion.
    For there the LORD ordained his blessing,
        life forevermore.

Observation:

David knew what it was like for God’s people to be at odds with one another. He had spent much of his life running from Saul, and this had caused great pain, to the very depths of his soul. He and Jonathan, Saul’s son, were best friends and yet their relationship was strained as they were pitted against one another because of Saul’s paranoia. David’s desire was for peace in personal relationships and this became his prayer.

The holy anointing oil of the priests was considered exceedingly precious in Israel. This oil was mixed with spices and was pleasant to the senses. The peace of living in unity would provide for more comfort and pleasantry than this ointment. David’s prayer for unity was a foreshadowing of the bond to be found among Christ’s followers in the New Testament Church. The world was to look upon his followers and know them by their love!

Application:

I wonder how often we think about this need for unity within the body of Christ? We are a motley group of independent thinkers and people who have our own thoughts about how to live life. We bring those thoughts with us into the family of God. Often this is seen within the local church as individuals struggle over decisions such as worship style, worship hour, children’s ministries, outreach ministries and even the ways in which the building will be decorated. On a larger scale this happens when churches act in a sectarian manner, believing that they can be self-reliant and not needing to cooperate with the greater Church. I believe that all of these are tools of the enemy because strength comes from unity and when we can be divided, we will be a powerless people.

To live in unity requires intentionality.  We all know that relationships require effort. A great marriage doesn’t just happen by accident. It happens because two individuals are willing to work at the relationship, giving and taking for the sake of unity. The same must be true in the body of Christ — there must be give and take. Whenever we demand our own way there will not be unity.

Unity can only come from diversity. Homogeneity is not the same as unity. When everything looks and seems the same, then things are homogenous. Unity only occurs when there is diversity because by its very nature, unity is bringing together things that are different in a beautiful and pleasant relationship. It is the result of the give and take which is necessary to build relationships.

We serve a relational God, one in which unity is found in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are invited into this relationship and if we are to be united with God, we must also be united with our fellow-human. We cannot expect to grow and develop in our relationship with God, if we cannot be intentional about the development of relationships within and among others.

The body of Christ must take every opportunity to be unified and the result will be a pleasant aroma for all the world to experience.

Prayer:

Lord, please help to unify us with you and the world.  Amen.