Like everyone else, I’ve been seeing the division in our world grow. It’s disturbing, isn’t it? Certain issues and people’s beliefs about them are becoming emotionally-charged exchanges that add to the fire, not help put it out. This is happening on both sides of the aisle or the fence – even in families and between friends. Of course some conflict is justified and appropriate, like stopping crime or using military intervention when absolutely necessary for protection. But in other cases, we’re on the path to normalizing division and fighting rather than peacefully disagreeing or working to find a solution for the greater good – despite our differences. When that happens, communication and progress stops. Divisions harden another layer deeper. Hate can begin to grow and we see it happening.
We’ve been given freedom and can make our own choices. Because we’re all different, we should expect that sparks will fly when we don’t agree. That’s normal. The ideal is not for everyone to become a clone. It’s that even though we are different, peace is possible with unity. Here’s one way to think about it.
Variety was designed by God. Just look at His creation. Look at us! When I see myself in the mirror and there’s something I’d like to change, I decided I’d say, “I look like my people.” That’s an awesome realization – try it! My DNA contains their DNA in a unique combination that makes me…me! Because our culture “worships” ideal standards of beauty and youth – as it always has – many still look at people through that old lens. That’s a point of division. Then movies, ads, and social media perpetuate the division. That way of thinking judges the incredible variety of our “species,” separating it into categories of “best and less than best.” What a toxic thing to buy into! Why don’t we celebrate everyone’s skin color, hair color and texture, eye color, facial features, other characteristics and physical challenges instead? That’s unity thinking! In reality, our bodies are only temporary “earth suits” that contain our soul – the eternal part of who we are. 1 Samuel 16:7b (NIV) says:
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Here‘s a little story about this. A couple of years ago, a family moved in a few houses down the street. Because I walk my dog twice a day, we’d have a chat once in a while, but their adorable little boy Sammy was super shy and too young to talk. He’d always hide behind his Dad or the car. Something else to know is that they’re from another country and we look nothing alike. I wondered if that was part of the reason he wasn’t sure about me.
Then one day, as I was talking to his Dad, he peeked out from around the car and gave me the teeniest little smile. I said, “I think we may have broken the ice!” And sure enough, a few minutes later he came over to me and handed me the little car he was carrying. His Dad said, “That’s a big deal. It’s his favorite.” After telling Sammy thanks and eventually handing the car back to his Dad while we were talking, he came back, took the little car out of his hand and gave it back to me! Two more times!
As I was getting ready to leave, I said, “Can I give you a hug Sammy?” And he let me pick him up and gave me a hug like I’ve never had from a kiddo before. Little kid hugs are the best anyway, but his was like a fully relaxed blanket of acceptance. He hugged me like that three times before I left. It didn’t matter that he was little and I was big, that he was two and I was “old”, and it certainly didn’t matter to either of us that our skin was two different colors. In fact, it made it better.
That moment, Unity Within Differences happened for real in a simple and beautiful way. Since then, I’ve grown to love Sammy, his younger sister, and parents too. We’re all friends.
The Bible tells us that all people can be unified as believers in Jesus Christ if we are unified in Him. Here’s what Colossians 3:12-15 (NLT) says:
“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.“
If we see evidence in our world of the loss of peace, or are living a life without Christ in our hearts, we’re missing out on the best God has for us and the unity that’s possible in Him.
RESET HIGHER: How can you create more unity in your outlook toward others? This week, try to focus less on appearances and find other reasons to appreciate the people you encounter. Be curious about their story and learn about them instead of judging them. Look for more in common than you’ve noticed before.
