why is unity important?

 When Brothers Dwell in Unity

 133

A Song of Ascents. Of David. 

*1* Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! 

*2* It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron,  running down on the collar of his robes! 

*3* It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. 

This psalm tells us how ‘good and pleasant it is’ when we experience unity with people who are our brothers (and sisters) in faith. If you are a believer in Jesus, then you are a member of God’s family, just as many others are. Therefore you are instructed to 'dwell in unity' with those of the same faith.

In order to explore this concept if unity, we must firstly remember that unity is not sameness. This verse does not want us all to be the same, but does want us to share the same faith and acknowledge that we are joined together (unified) through God. We are different individuals intrinsically linked together through faith in Jesus Christ thus becoming one church, one family. This acknowledgement leads to expectations of how we behave to one another and how we express this unity. Every family has its expectations of how we treat one another, God's family is no different.The Bible is full of stories and instructions in how to relate to God and one another because God wants His family unified. 

One fundamental way we can express unity with other believers is to gather with them regularly. It is difficult to be united with others unless you are meeting with them! Belonging to a community of believers where you all love, follow and depend on Jesus, and share lives with one another - this is where unity can be seen and worked out. When you gather together with Christ at the centre, then we can all grow together in faith and unity. 

If you are already a regular attender with a group of believers, there are other ways we can also contribute to unity, such as; helping one another, teaching, helping, leading, listening, giving, sharing testimonies and prophecies, praying, talking and listening to people, worshipping freely, sharing words and encouragements with others, speaking well of other believers, not gossiping, correcting wrong thinking and having fun together. Unity is not passive, but an active contribution to the family of God and it requires everyone to take part. 

What can you do to hep grow unity amongst the community of believers?

When we do our best be unified, it is like an anointing (v2-3). Anointing with oil was a blessing and a symbol of being set apart for God’s purposes, being uniquely His. Just as Aaron was anointed as high priest, so we can be anointed and blessed by being unified with others who believe in God through Jesus. The anointing oil was always intended for the head, but it is not confined to the head - it runs through the beard, and onto the collar and over the clothes as described in v2. Therefore the blessing of the anointing is so abundant that it lavishly and generously runs over. It can be seen, and experienced by others, and can bless us in ways beyond our imagining. Unity, like the oil is precious and gives off a pleasing aroma, a fragrance that can be detected by any who come near. It is an attractive and lovely thing even to those who do not yet know Christ. It is tangible and seen by those around you. 

Unity is also like the dew (v3) - it refreshes, refills and refuels faith in others. It brings life, joy and hope. Unity makes a positive difference to the terrain around it, naturally bringing refreshing and life. The two mountains mentioned are known for their productivity because of the amount of moisture they have. They are refreshing and fruitful, providing nourishment for not just themselves, but feeding into rivers and fields to provide nourishment and growth. If we can work together to be unified in faith then we too can provide refreshment, nourishment and life to the world around us. Doesn’t that make unity amongst believers something worth working for? What can be your role in building unity amongst believers?

God promises that He, ‘has commanded the blessing, life forevermore’ when ‘brothers dwell together in unity’. Do you want to receive the commanded blessing of God? If so, then you need to strive for unity. God has ordered that there will be a blessing if we do so.