Unity
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
Doesn’t it feel like our world is more divided than ever? Social media, news reports, podcasts, TV shows are filled with messages of division and conflict. Cultures across all societies today are inundated with political conflict, racism, injustice, and other “heavy” issues that result in division among us. And what we have then is a loss of respect and common courtesy to anyone whose opinions are different from ours.
So, is unity even possible in the world as it is? Is it possible to disagree so much with one another and still be at peace?
David’s message here is an expression of hope for the people of Israel. It’s from one of those “songs of accent” in the Psalms. Jews traveling to the hilltop city of Jerusalem for one of their Jewish festivals traditionally sang these songs as they made their way to the temple city.
David is expressing his absolute belief in the ability of the people of the nation to live together in unity, despite all that seems to divide them politically and societally. His is a soulful rejoicing that all honor, glory, and praise belong to the Father of all creation who created us to be in relationship with Him and one another. David recognizes that unity begins and ends with God, and he knows that when he chose to follow God, he then has a part to play in making this hope into an experienced reality.
Similarly, we find Paul’s letters to the church encouraging them on how to pursue unity with each other and in the expanding communities. In Philippians 2:2-5, here’s what he said: “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
How different might our lives and community be if we followed Paul’s teaching, if we thought about the needs of those in our lives and in our communities first. Doing so is really to honor God and such hope as David expresses brings notice to others. Imagine that we bring the world together and open opportunities for others to encounter the risen Christ.
Disagreements or alternative views will not disappear so let us accept that and strive to address them with wisdom and grace. He’s given us the Holy Spirit to indwell us – a Spirit bringing peace, understanding, kindness, and graciousness. Unity developed through relationships that ultimately glorifies our Father in heaven.
Heavenly Father, I pray that I may learn to live together with all my brothers and sisters in Christ in godly love and unity, to Your praise and glory. Holy Spirit help me to stand firm in faith, protect me from spiteful discord, disunity, or division. May I honor Him by living with my brothers and sisters in unity. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.