Unified Differences

Have you heard the phrase, different is good? Thank you, Arbys!

This statement is intriguing because we don’t think of differences as a good thing. We instead, view them as barriers to connecting and moving forward. This reality happens in every area of our lives and many times, it stops us from moving forward.

But what if there was another way?

Could it be that we can be unified in our differences? I think the answer is yes, furthermore, the answer should be yes!!

Far too often we use differences as an excuse to shut down, run away, leave the marriage, end the friendship, stop going to the church, unplug for others, and retreat to our own corner. But this is short-sided and limited because not all differences are a deal-breaker. In fact, most of them can be the very thing that glues us together at a new level.

Think about it. A married couple can choose to use their differences as a way to celebrate their unique aspects and grow in love stronger through them. A friendship can go deeper through their differences because it gives unique strengths and perspectives. Church communities can grow toward one another through different politics, cultures, styles, and more because they bond on Jesus!

And that’s the secret, Jesus!

He’s why we can do this and He’s why we must do this.

Unity is NOT everyone being the same, thinking the same, doing the same, voting the same, and looking the same. Unity rather is people that are different coming together for a common cause in Jesus.

This is one reason why,

“1. How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! 2. For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe.”
Psalms 133:1-2

Notice, it is wonderful and pleasant when we are unified!

Therefore we can see in this passage that, God gives unity. The enemy gives division. This is just one reason why the enemy is always trying to divide marriages, families, churches, friendships, and more because something happens in unified differences.

In this passage the writer says, that unity is like the anointing oil on Aaron. This represents the empowerment to serve God and be a leader among His people. God has called us to be a kingdom of priests, which means, He anoints us through the Holy Spirit as He did Aaron in the Old Testament.

This signifies that God is attracted to unity. He’s empowered in unity. He’s honored in unity and He’s magnified in unity. Therefore, it’s incumbent upon us, to be united in our differences.

It’s my belief that when we are unified, the enemy’s power is broken. This is where you and I can see God’s breakthrough not only for our lives but also for the lives of those around us. This is how we are different and this is how we shine for Jesus.

So through different worship styles, preaching styles, and biblical beliefs that have nothing to do with eternity, we can have unified differences.

In fact, the time is now! Have you noticed how division has gone to a new level? Have you noticed how strife is everywhere? But let this, NOT be named among us.

I encourage you today to lay down the minor differences and choose unity instead. Choose to fall in love with your spouse more than ever. Choose to grow deeper in your friendships more than ever. Choose to branch out and connect with people different than you and choose unified differences every day and watch God anoint you with His oil.

Please don’t let differences rob you of what God has for you!

Love you and the best is yet to come,