Unity Despite Diversity

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From the beginning of my ministry, I knew the world would be my backyard, that my reach would extend to the nations. Last week I had the privilege to spend some time in Penang, Malaysia, rescuing and furthering the dreams of everyday people.
In the midst of another culture, I spoke to the people of a nation with which I was not familiar. Yet we connected immediately. From the first note of my singing, we were kindred spirits. I felt like I was at home, in a familiar place; it was comfortable. What was this connection? What pulled my heart close to the people of Penang as we gathered together? The presence of God. As I enjoyed this feeling of closeness, I remembered Psalm 133:1 which says, How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.
There is such an amazing feeling in unity. Unity brings hope and healing. It brings an atmosphere of breakthrough. How so? When there is unity, you feel like you can accomplish great things. Why? Where there is unity, there is collective strength and real power that follows. You are no longer by yourself, but in the fight with others. In Penang there was unity despite our diversity, and it was pleasant.
The cool thing was that we didn’t need to all be the same in every way, to look the same, think the same, talk the same, or have all the same opinions. True unity came from connecting to a move of God, connecting to His presence. That’s pleasant! Again, what made us brothers and sisters in that first moment in Penang? Was it our culture? Our language? Our specific church affiliations? No, it was simply our relationship with the Father.
Whether you understand it or not, the Christ-believing church down the street or around the world from you, shares one thing in common: our Father. As believers in Christ, we need to have true unity with all of our brothers and sisters. Romans 12:18 says, Do all you can to live in peace with everyone.
Sometimes I watch Christians have an easier time getting along with people who are un-churched rather than their own brothers/sisters in the Lord from another local church. Why? Usually it’s because of a difference in opinion or an offense. But this should not happen in the Body of Christ!
Don’t focus your life’s journey around an opinion or hurt feelings. Remember, the most important thing to focus on is what we all share in common as believers, our Father, His presence, and His Son sent to redeem us all. I’m not asking you to shirk your core moral values to make peace and achieve unity. However, let’s make it our goal to have the “pleasant feeling” of brotherhood in our churches and in our communities at all times through our connection with our heavenly Father.
Unity will always bring hope and healing. When you find yourself in unity, you will find the strength to do great things. This week I encourage you to connect with the Father. Then you’ll find it rather easy to be in true unity, to keep peace with all men.

Stay Strong!

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