Good and Pleasant

Read Psalm 133.

We hear a lot of talk about unity. The word is used in political settings, in ecclesiastical gatherings and even in familial settings. I've even heard of a medical facility named "Unity." We all seem to want it, but we have no idea how to get it. We develop strategic plans, we talk about "vision statements" and we even go to workshops to learn how to achieve unity. I mean, after all, isn't unity something we should pursue? David, the psalmist, even said it was a good (and pleasant) thing!

There are two problems we struggle with when it comes to unity. First, we don't seem to have any idea what it really is. We confuse it with uniformity, singleness of opinion, thought and action. But if that's the goal, we will never, ever get there. As I have said before, if there are two people in a room, there is bound to be a conflict at some point. If both of you think, act and believe exactly the same—one of you is unnecessary! (I'll let you decide which one!) We are human; we are going to disagree. So unity can't be the same as uniformity because I don't believe God would set before us something that we cannot achieve.

The second problem we have is that we try to manufacture unity. Especially in the church, we seem to think this program, that slogan, or one more rally will bring unity. It never does, and do you know why? Because unity is a gift of God. It is a work of the Holy Spirit, moving among diverse and different people to bring them together around a shared mission. Even if we don't all agree, we can love each other, serve together and make a difference for the cause of Christ.

Early on in my ministry, I was privileged to see this work on a community-wide level. We had a gathering of pastors every week who shared coffee, conversation and prayer. Sometimes we got into theological...discussions, and when it got too deep, one of our group was good at saying, "The church hasn't solved this issue for two thousand years, and we won't solve it today. Let's move on." What held our group together was our love for one another and for the gospel. We had widely varying theological perspectives, but in the midst of that, we were given a common bond that transcended those differences. Would that we in the body of Christ could find that today! Are we praying for it? Are we seeking it? Do we even want it?

David says unity is "good" and "pleasant," but I don't think that's just because no one is fighting at that point. I think David says it's good and pleasant because when God's people are united in a shared purpose and mission, it brings good things to the world. When we fuss and fight with each other, it brings hurt, destruction, devastation. If God's people can't get along, what hope does the world have? But when God's people commit and open themselves to unity, it's like refreshing oil and life-giving dew. Unity beings life. It's good and pleasant.

So which are you bringing today by your actions and by your life?

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