Unity In One ... Christ

1 Corinthians 1:10, 30


I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. ... It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. (NIV)

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. ... But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (KJV)

What is unity? Unity Church of Ann Arbor defines unity as: Unity is an adventure that arouses interest in our spiritual nature. Unity sparks our desire to find our true relationship with God. The military uses the term unity of effort as: Coordination and cooperation toward common objectives, even if the participants are not necessarily part of the same command or organization - the product of successful unified action.

When it comes to believers, unity of heart, purpose, and mind comes when everyone strives for the same things. Two of those integral things are - serving others first and helping others before helping oneself. What is the number one division? Selfishness. What is second? The desire to get what you want in the expense of others. Seems harsh, but it's reality. Some of us believers will stop at nothing to get what we want. Whatever happened to getting to know others through Christ? We have to change our mindset and reprioritize our values, morals and scruples. We need to let God take over. And when that happens, everyone's goal will be to serve others. Then and only then will the needs of everyone be met. When you as a leader, pastor, parent, teacher or co-worker model the priority of serving others first, you will see unity blossom in your organization, church, home, school, or work.

Song: Unity (by Pillar)
There's you and I in unity
It's time we take a stand so we can let the world see
God made different colors to make His people unique
Just because I'm different doesn't mean that I'm a freak
Or maybe I am a freak for the man Himself who died for me
We're daily on a mission from God in search of unity
it's time you open your eyes see the problem at hand
All you have to do is love and live and take your own stand
And love each other like a brother
All you people love them like they were your sister or your mother
It's time we stoop the hate so we can't hurt one another
'Cause that ain't it that ain't right
Congregate we got to fight
The end will come keep Him in sight
His people unify it's time we all fight

Chorus
You and I in unity
That's what love should be
You and I in unity
It's time for the world to see

Denomination it shouldn't stop a congregation
From being one with every tongue and every tribe and every nation
Tribulation the force that fought for people left behind
Revelation I got to let them know the missions mine
All those different places of different races and different faces
We come together as one achievable through graces
It's not about the fat pockets or scrilla
We got to stand up straight and be strong like a pillar
We got to stand up and fight
You know the time is right
We got to keep the end in sight
So His people stand up and fight


What five things can you do to serve others today?