Unity -vs- Disunity
In last week’s blog, we shared thoughts about unity. A word’s definition in its simplest terms sometimes lacks clarity of action. In looking at the opposite meaning we suddenly get a picture of the word’s definition in real time. The opposite of unity is disunity, a lack of unity within a group. Again, that seems obvious. But if disunity continues, it can lead to at the least disagreement and discord, or its worst, dissension.
Disunity causes people to go in the opposite direction of others. This can apply in every arena our lives touch. Think about a time when you were in disagreement within your family, with your co-workers, or in your church. That’s probably not hard to do. How can we know if our thoughts about unity and disunity line up with God’s thoughts? When we experience disunity within any of these groups what should we do? What standard do we follow?
As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we make Him and His Word our standard. Just as Jesus walked with the Father, we see His desire for us as He prayed in John 17. Jesus’ prayer to the Father, speaking out His desire for you and me, to be one with Him as He is One with the Father.
Yet, for Jesus' prayer to be answered in you and me, we must first believe it and agree with Jesus' prayer. Our faith becomes one with Him. He has given to each man a measure of faith. We are born with a hunger to know our Creator. Each person can choose the oneness that Jesus prayed for.
You might say, well how do I know, what if my thoughts say something else? The Apostle Paul tells us to take every thought captive that exalts itself above the things of God. He also declares we have the mind of Christ, the same mind that Jesus thinks with His Father, we have in Christ. We manifest this through obedience to His Word. Faith without the works that ignite it is dead.
This may be an overstatement, but let me say it anyway. To walk in unity and recognize disunity we have to know God’s Word. Here are two simple everyday examples.
You plan to visit friends and you know they have pet allergies. They know you have a pet. You decide to bring your pet with you anyway to their home. Will there be unity in your visit or disunity? Again, you visit a home where the standard is church on Sunday, but you need your sleep and you decide to stay in bed. Will this bring unity to that home? You might say, well God gave me free will. He did indeed. We get to decide who we will honor with our decisions and our actions, God, ourselves, or others.
If one lives a duplicitous life, speaking unity but meaning disunity, it will not only cause disunity among others but within that person. Since we can hardly change ourselves, let’s not focus on changing others. If you observe this behavior in someone, be aware and learn from them what not to do.
Let’s go back to John 17 and Jesus’ prayer for Oneness. He prays for unity with Him, with His Word, and with Father God. Maybe at this point, you are thinking of many things that keep you from being one with anyone, much less God. So, how do we get there?
It starts with faith in God, believing He is Who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. Many of us have experienced the actions of others whom we trusted to do what they said. It proved fruitless and harmful. But that is not the nature of God. He is in unity with His Son and with His Spirit. If we believe Him and His Word, we can be united with Him and others.
Next, we trust Him to work it in our life. Anyone living in today’s world knows how difficult unity can be among those around us. If we want to be a part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer, we need only to ask Him to help. He will help in the areas of life where doubt and weakness reside.
Finally, desire God above all else. Allow the Holy Spirit to draw you to Jesus, to arrest you for the things of heaven. When you do, you will help fulfill Jesus' prayer in Matthew 6:10 – Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Until next week, the matter of the heart, it the heart of the matter!
Dr. Michele / www.gweinc.org
July 1, 2024
