One of the things I’ve learned in leadership is that unity is not the same as uniformity. Uniformity is where we are all doing the same thing and look the same. It’s man’s attempt at unity, which comes from God. Unity is where we are all headed the same direction, operating in our gifts, under the leadership of Christ. We don’t have to do things the same way, but we are working towards the same goal. Unity gives each other grace where uniformity does not. We are to protect the unity among the brethren, not tear each other down. I got to experience this on staff at a church where we had over 20 denominations and 50 nationalities under one pastor and banner of doctrine. Even though we disagreed on some items and ways to express our worship, we found a way to submit to God and work together to impact the world. It was a beautiful experience where I began to truly understand we are one body with many parts and functions. If you find yourself looking for uniformity, ask God to help you come into unity with His plan. Then do what you can to protect that unity.
Here are some Bible verses on unity:
1. Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:13-14 GNT
2. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
John 17:23 NLT
3. Finally, beloved friends, be cheerful! Repair whatever is broken among you, as your hearts are being knit together in perfect unity. Live continually in peace, and God, the source of love and peace, will mingle with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11 TPT
4. I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV
5. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!
Psalms 133:1 AMP
Photo by Theodor Vasile on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 