What is unity and what does it look like?
It’s easy to assume unity means ‘sameness’ , Unity is not sameness, it is not uniformity but it truly refers to a characteristic of a group of people who share one purpose, vision and direction. This group is of one mind and thought, and seek to achieve a goal collectively. What is our Goal as Christians? We can say is to seek the kingdom of God and proclaim His name until He returns. In simple terms, it’s to know Christ (the resurrected King) and to make Him known (our Saviour and Lord). Our common goal is to advance the Kingdom of God through sharing the Gospel of Christ.
Unity as revealed in scripture - is the epitome of Christian living, there are a number of scripture were we get an understanding of what unity is. Unity establishes oneness that does not negate individuality. We see unity in the Holy trinity, God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit. God exists in three persons, each with a distinct role and function within the Godhead. And the three exists in perfect fellowship and community.
Why is unity important?
Unity is one very powerful strategy we have in winning the war against the enemy (Satan), we are familiar with the phrase divide and conquer, this is a strategy that the devil uses to defeat the efficacy of the church, and he knows that a divided people are weak. It is God’s plan to create unity among believers, Galatians 3:28 (NIV)There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
I have often wondered why God made us different, and why he sent Jesus to live like a man, was there no other plan, but Jesus is the only one who could reconcile all people to God.
1 Corinthians 1:10( NIV) I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. In this scripture we see the apostle Paul writing and appeal to the church in Corinth, Ephesus why??? Why is unity important in the body of Christ, among believers? I found some examples of what could happen if God’s people are united.
First it is pleasing to God when his people are united, (Psalm 133:1NIV) How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in Unity.
Second, Unity inspires generosity and goodness and kindness Acts 4:32 (NIV) all the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Unity produces the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Third, Unity inspires love and invites Gods presence, 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
There is power in Unity and Unity Glorifies God, I’m always encouraged by the scripture that says where two or more are gathered in my name, there I am with them, if two people who are united towards seeking God can invite the presence of God how much more can 5 or more achieve. If we can take an example of a people who were united, I’m reminded of the ancient people who made a decision to reach God and decided to build a tower so that they can make a name for themselves, they achieved a great deal of work But they were outside of God’s will (Refer to Genesis 11:1-9), let’s take a moment to visualise what the church, a body of believers can achieve if only they were united, how much can we achieve, how much peace and stability would the world be in.
To conclude I want to talk about some consequences of disunity, Discord, Elitism, we are in trouble right now because we are no longer united, each one seeks to be better than the other, we have people dying, people with depression , mental illness because of elitism, because of the social divide, others think they are superior and other are inferior. Bullying is the leading cause of Suicide in the world because some people would have decided to ostracize another person and convince them they don’t belong, but Christ appeals that there must be no divisions, no Jew no gentile, no male or female.
Disunity, is an example of the absence of the Holy spirit in our lives, it disgusts God, it grieves the Holy Spirit and it confuses the world,
We owe a debt to one another, of LOVE (Roman 13:8).
Yours in Unity
Shaheeda
Women of Reverence welcomes Shaheeda Aufe as a guest contributor for our theme of the month.
A Speech Language Therapist, an Audiologist and an entrepreneur. Shaheeda completed her degree at University of Witwatersrand (Wits). She is currently working in Zimbabwe.
"I started my own private practice a few years ago. It’s been a fun and challenging journey of learning to run a business.
I'm also a Sunday school teacher at our church; and part of the young adults ministry. I'm passionate about communication development and children's development. I'm always challenged by the scripture that says “and there rose a generation that did not know the Lord”. We must teach our kids, raise our children to know Jesus! I'm not a mother yet but this scripture challenges me to pray for the next generation. I enjoy a cup of coffee and deep conversations. A little bit of travel and reading! I'm also starting a campaign on raising awareness on Communication Disorders, Speech and Hearing Therapy in Zimbabwe. Learn more about my business and campaign me on Facebook @SASH THERAPY and Instagram @sash_therapy "