Unity, A Powerful Force: Why Unity Is Important

We were designed to be in relationship with other people. Unity is a powerful force that will build relationships and draw us closer together. It seems as though we have a lot of leaders who think that by creating division and pointing fingers at others, we will create unity. However, that is the farthest thing from the truth. The bible tells us to do nothing out of rivalry or conceit (Phil 2:3), but to dwell together in unity (Psalms 133:1).

This article is a little different than what I typically write. It is spurred on by many recent events and conversations. The most prominent way you can look at this is political. However, it is not intended to be political. I have seen these challenges in so many arenas. Please look at it as applying to all areas, whether it is the church, your workplace, your family, our country, or any other area where leadership occurs.

I’ve worked for a couple companies where the leaders were always pointing fingers and blaming others. It was not an enjoyable environment. I have also worked for companies where the leaders reminded everyone that we were a team. When something went wrong the team rallied together to create a strategy to try to fix the situation and prevent it from happening again. Those were the companies and teams I loved working with.

All people are created in the image of God

When we look at people, we should not hone in on the differences we see, whether it is the color of skin, their gender, their religious or political beliefs. Instead, we should look at their heart and whether they are full of love. Is the entire makeup of a person all within one decision or belief they hold? I hope not. 

In my opinion, God designed each of us as unique, complex beings. I am so much more than a caucasian or a christian or a female. I am a culmination of all the roles and experiences that make me into the person God created me to be. By labeling me as one of these, and making a snap judgement about my entire being based on one facet, dramatically shortchanges who I am.

The same goes with my friends. I have friends of different genders, ethnicities, religious, and political beliefs. Never have I seen them as being defined by any of those attributes. I see them as who they are, and the areas we connect on. When we are together we typically discuss the topics we connect on, whether it is motherhood, goals and dreams, kids’ activities, etc. 

The fact that I trust in Jesus should not be a deciding factor in whether or not we can be friends. The fact that I was created with a certain color of skin does not make me more or less of a valued child of God. God values all his children and not one is less honorable than another (1 Cor 12:12-26). Even my belief that all life is valuable should not be a basis of whether or not we can have a discussion and a friendship.

We All Have Differing Experiences and Perspectives

Not a single person is exactly alike and has every thought and belief the same as another person. If we were, it would be a terribly boring world. Having differing opinions are ok. Having discussions and healthy debates are valuable. Unfortunately, I feel like that the only reason someone tries to debate, anymore, is to force a person to develop the same views. That breaks my heart for our society.

We should be approaching conversations with an open mind and be willing to listen to each other and consider what each is saying and their perspective. Sadly, too many people are unwilling to try to see things from another perspective. I may not understand other perspectives, but I listen. I am open to learning new things. If I don’t change my opinion, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t learn something new. Often times, I learn more about why that person believes what they do.

Division Separates, but We are Called to be Unified

Did you know the bible lists division 4 times, while it lists unity 142 times. That’s a big difference. I have learned that the more times the bible mentions something, the more important it is. Godly leaders should always be rallying people around unifying causes. Unity is a powerful force. Unifying causes create community and an environment for people to be part of something greater than themselves.

Division doesn’t help anyone grow. It creates separation and tears people apart. It tears families apart. I am always saddened by situations where people are divided and torn apart for seemingly small issues. I actually had a family member tell me that we couldn’t be friends because I held a different belief on a political issue. As family, one would think that they would have seen and known me as so much more of a person than that one belief.

I have been told of situations where Christians told a friend they would no longer be able to be friends because that person was marrying a person of a differing religion. God is unconditional love. How is this showing your friend an unconditional, brotherly love?

There is More to People Than A Decision They Make

People are so much more than the decisions they make. They are deeply and unconditionally loved by God, no matter what decisions they made. We do not have to agree with every decision they make. People will make mistakes, but they are not a result of their mistakes. We are called to love the people, but hate the sins they commit.

When my kids do something bad, I never tell them they are a bad kid. They are not a result of their decisions. I even correct them if they say they are bad or they say a sibling is. I say they made a bad choice or a bad decision, but they, as a person, are not bad. They may have to face a consequence for their actions, that might not feel good, but they are not bad. They are a good kid who is learning to make better decisions.

It is not our responsibility to control others and the decisions they make. We cannot force someone to have the same beliefs. It is our responsibility to love them, be a good example, and pray and let God shape them.

Above all, put on love – the perfect bond of unity.

Col 3:14 (HCSB)

As christian leaders, we are called to draw people to the love of Christ by overflowing with God’s love. (No matter what form of leadership you hold, you are a leader to some extent.) You will never draw people together through division. The enemy is the one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The only way to draw people together and build people up is in love and unity.

If any of this resonated with you or you think it might help someone you know, please share it. Also, I’d love to hear about ways that you have chosen to seek unity or create a unified cause. Please comment below with thoughts or remembrances you had while reading.