Unity is a much desired and, consequently, much sought after commodity. It is difficult to achieve, hard to keep, seemingly impossible to recapture, but ever worth the effort. David had this to say about unity. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore” (Psalm 103). Note that “there” in this passage points to where “brethren dwell together in unity.”
This passage speaks of the blessing of unity among “brethren.” In its narrowest application, this Psalm teaches God’s blessing is upon those of his family who walk together in truth. But the premium that God places upon unity in this example shows why unity is so important in virtually all arenas of life – family, church, the work place, government, etc. Yet, at this moment, many of us would lament that unity is beyond our grasp. How very tragic!
Unity with others requires that we share a common cause. For example, I can be united with other Cleveland Indians’ fans because we share in our desire to see them win. But this kind of unity is superficial and unfulfilling (especially if you are an Indians fan!) Real unity is rooted in truth. James addressed this when he compared earthly wisdom to heavenly wisdom. “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:14-17).
Earthly wisdom leads to confusion and every evil work. The wisdom from above (from God) however is “first pure, then peaceable.” Truth must govern the heart before there can be peaceful accord. The people of our nation have abandoned truth. We no longer seek to discover truth – we determine it for ourselves! My truth becomes that which pleases me. Consequently, every man and woman has their own truth. There is not much opportunity for agreement and unity in such a people.
But peace can still prevail, if not among the people, then certainly in my own heart. Become a proclaimer and practitioner of truth. “Great peace have they which love thy law and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:65).
From the Chaplain 