Do You Know the Way to Unity?

August 21, 2023

By Brooke Holt

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" Psalm 133:1

I recently listened to a podcast in which a doctor declared we are living in the most toxic time ever – from our food to the soil in which we grow it, to our water and rampant use of plastic, to what we put on our skin and use for cleaning supplies. Daily we are exposed to hundreds of thousands of toxic chemicals.

If this doctor is right (and sadly, I believe she is), we are living in a toxic world. Maybe the outside toxins have impacted our insides. I see us living not just in a toxic world of chemicals but one toxic in anger, vengeance, unforgiveness, ungodly agendas, selfishness, and narcissism. Surely you could continue adding to my list! What results from all of this inner toxicity? Division. People are divided on everything, even within the same faith, the same country, and sometimes one’s own family. If you have any question as to whether this division is God’s plan, David answers emphatically in the psalm for this week.

The Lord longs for his people to live in unity. He provided many guidelines to help us do just that. Thus, the Ten Commandments teach you not to steal, to kill, or to covet. God is focused on creating healthy relationships and community among his people. Beyond the Ten Commandments, Jesus taught what it means to love one another. He modeled it in his life and death. John, his beloved disciple, writes an entire book focused on the outworking of faith and what it looks like within Christian community. Read 1 John and consider if you see that kind of godly fellowship in your church.

Today, our preferred style of worship, differing views of Scripture, issues pertaining to sexuality, politics, and other interpretations divide the body of Christ. Instead of learning to love one another and working through our differences, God’s people become polarized based on their stance or commitment. This does not reflect God’s plan and purpose for the church, and it bears a terrible witness to the world! Instead, those who are called by his name should be characterized by what unites us as opposed to what divides us.

What would it look like for you to put your differences aside, to humble yourself as a son or daughter of the King, and to work for the common good of all people (not just those who agree with you)? Scripture teaches the way to healing: “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). That healing of the Lord provides the means to unity. Clearly, we cannot get there without him!

Thankfully, we have hope for our church, our nation, our families, and even this world. God has given us the way to unity; it is through the cross of Jesus Christ. It begins with you, me, and each of God’s people. We must see our sin, see how it divides us, turn back to the Lord in repentance, and then walk forward in grace, humility, and the love of Christ. When we live in this unity, the world will see how good God is. Then, we can proclaim with David: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters) dwell in unity!”

Reflection:

Are you seeking unity in your church, community, and family? Are you willing to humble yourself knowing that God is above every division, that his ways are higher than your ways, and his thoughts higher than your thoughts? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Come explore the grand story of God as the one who knows and loves his people. In one of the greatest love stories ever told, The Book of Exodus reveals God as Yahweh, the Great “I AM.” He is the transcendent, all-powerful creator of all things who defeated the greatest powers of the earth. This same God would have his people know and love him in an intimate and personal way. The Great “I AM” – A Study of the Book of Exodus is a 9-week study consisting of a small group study guide combined with weekly video teachings. Come meet The Great “I AM”.