The Beauty of Unity

Scripture:

Psalm 133:1-3 (TM) How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! (2) It's like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aaron's beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes. (3) It's like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that's where GOD commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.

Observation:

David stated that harmony is pleasant and precious. Unfortunately, harmony is not always found in the church, as it should be. People disagree and cause division over unimportant issues. Some delight in causing tension by discrediting others. Harmony is important because:

(1) it makes the church a positive example to the world and helps draw others to the Lord;

(2) it helps us cooperate as a body of believers as God meant us to, giving us a foretaste of heaven;

(3) it renews and revitalizes ministry because there is less tension to sap our energy.

Living in harmony does not mean that we will agree on everything; there will be many opinions just as there are many notes in a musical chord. But we must agree on our purpose in life—to work together for God. Our outward expression of harmony will reflect our inward harmony of purpose.

Application:

The world is broken. Fences and walls are the symbols of our age. All of this is a consequence of the Fall. We too often live separated from God and separated from each other. We not only have to think of the continuing conflict of the super powers, but of a thousand smaller conflicts as well. Since the end of World War II, there have been more than 150 wars on the planet, hardly a witness to the United Nations, or to a united earth.

The real scandal, however, is not the brokenness of the world but the brokenness of the church. The truth of this is not merely seen in the expanding number of denominations and independent congregations. The real truth of this is in the brokenness of relationships within those congregations. I have rarely been in a body of believers that has not been divided into factions.

Years ago the great evangelist Dwight L. Moody preached a sermon in which he noted that Christians in his day wanted influence. In stead, Moody said, what they need is power, the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the power that we need to tear down the walls, freeing us to embrace each other once again. This is the power that we need, and it cannot be elected or bought or sold. In fact when one man tried to buy it long ago, the apostle Peter replied (The Message translation), "To hell with you and your money" (Acts 8:20).

Our verse today is about unity among believers.

Verse Psalm 133:1 tells us "how good and how pleasant" unity is. The word good means fulfilling or perfect. Pleasant denotes our response to being together. It means "delightful, lovely, beautiful" and can be attributed to wealth, singing praises to Jehovah God, keeping wise teachings, and our attitude toward physical beauty. Unity gives us a sense of completion and makes us happy.

No wonder David says that it is good and beautiful "for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

Many Christians have been frustrated by the disunity of the church. They have spent sleepless nights because of unresolved conflicts. They have spent endless hours seeking to reconcile people. They have preached to congregations where, when certain subjects have been raised, they have seen the frowns of groups who don't go along with their theology. The issues have been avoided rather than confronted. Some Christians give money, letting the pastors know as the check is handed over that they expect favors and influence. And others have been hurt by gossip that has come in the form of prayer requests or "deep Christian concern."

The god of this world, satan, is the one who inspires and directs gossip, cowardly talking about someone behind their back, and the sowing of discord among christian people. My friend, their will be a pay day for those who are attempting to bring destruction to God's church. Anyone who calls you, comes to see you, emails you and puts down church leadership is being used of the devil. DO NOT be a part of it, or you will be held accountable to God.

At the same time, there are Christians who do worship together. Their fellowship is a joy for everyone, and that joy is rooted in a mutual commitment to working out difficulties and refining relationships. They know exactly what David meant here; indeed, it is good, pleasant and beautiful for brethren to dwell together in unity.

Prayer:

"Lord I am so thankful for the opportunity You give us to walk together, dwell together, in unity. The enemy is working overtime attempting to cause division in Your church. Sadly, there are too many carnal individuals who are too easily persuaded to do the devils dirty work. Help me Lord to never be used of the devil. I want to walk, flow, move, speak under the influence of Your Holy Spirit. I want to enjoy the beauty of unity. In Jesus name, amen!"