Unity, Not Uniformity

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!   -Psalms 1:33

In music, harmony is such a beautiful thing! The melody carries the tune, but a song could be so much more enjoyable with the depth of additional parts. It is the harmony that creates such a beautiful sound and complements what has already been written in the melody.

A similar dynamic can happen in our relationships as well. We have an opportunity to add to what someone else is already doing in support of their efforts. And what we are trying to accomplish can be so much more enjoyable when completing the process together. For example, I grew up as an only child in a rural farming community for most of my childhood. It was such a blessing! However, I was accustomed to doing things on my own, figuring out how to make things work without help, and entertaining myself without siblings. It definitely made me stronger, built creativity along with resilience into my character, and fostered a sense of independence. But I didn’t really know any other way! I had not fully realized that I was missing out on having someone by my side, or that another person could bring light to my ideas and life to my days. You could say that I was the “only instrument in my band”, but I didn’t realize how much greater it could be with an orchestra!

Whether you had siblings growing up or not, it is a reality soon to be recognized that relationships take work. We can benefit so much from each other when we stop trying to do everything on our own or allow ourselves to remain caught up in striving to “carry the tune.”  When we make ourselves available to accept and offer what we have, a natural growth toward each other in love and unity takes place. We were not created to be clones of each other, nor are we created to always charge forward in battle alone. So, how do we foster unity in our relationships without forcing uniformity?

I want to bring light to the rooms that I walk into. And I desire to learn from those who are wiser than me while gleaning from those whom God has intentionally placed in my life. We need to grow in community together as we strive to become more like Christ. But while living in unity is the goal, we have to be careful….Careful not to attempt to drive our point home or close our ears to what others have to say. We each have a decision to make in how we choose to respond; and our own growth can be significantly hindered when we are unwilling to listen. 

As Christians, we were never meant to debate each other. We need to share our thoughts and why we think the way that we do, all the while encouraging others to speak as well, and in spiritual matters to search scripture for themselves to draw a conclusion. You are not the Holy Spirit for your spouse, your sibling, or your friend. Pray and seek wisdom together. And then, be willing to “agree to disagree” while maintaining the relationship. It is not our job to convince others that we are right. Let the Lord do that if He chooses. Conviction comes from God and not from man. We were created to think differently. Your difference of opinion does not make you enemies; it makes you human! If it is not a salvation issue, then it doesn’t need to create division.

Our goal should be sharing God’s love and bringing peace in the body of Christ, not driven by a need to be accepted or clamoring to be heard at the expense of our character. What is driving you? Is it a desire to know Him or a desire to be known? The first is driven by love, but the second is driven by fear. Be wise as to who you are surrounding yourself with. Are they drawing you closer to the Lord or causing you to question Him or what He is telling you? Pursue love and build good character. This may seem harsh, but the fear of not being liked, welcomed, or understood should not trump your obedience to God. Let others disagree with you, misunderstand you, or walk away if they choose. 

You have your Heavenly Father’s love and acceptance. Your peace comes from Him, not from the world, not from people, nor from your circumstances. Speak the truth in love and stand strong in your convictions. But be careful to do so with a heart of love that chooses to see others and applaud their journey well.

~ Susan Mohrland, Worthy Blog Contributor

Reflection Questions:

• Am I an example of God’s love to the world?

• Am I a part of the harmony that God intends for me to bring to my relationships?

• Am I making any compromises in order to be better received or living life outside of a community?

• Am I celebrating the journey of those who are at my side well?