Psalm 133:1 The Unity of the Chuirch
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (NIV)
The birds pictured above, part of the great flocks that descend upon the Willcox area each winter, are together in unity in that they agree where they are going. But if we were to examine each bird closely, we would discover that they differ in various ways: the size and shape of the wings, the size of the feet, the color composition of the feathers, and the ability to fly fast and long. Despite their differences, they have a common purpose, to arrive at this place, at this time. Some flocks fly in a large “V” shape with each bird taking his turn at the head of the “V.” Their strength lies in the unity they show in each bird’s willingness to take his place at the head and to be satisfied when he is not leading.
We, as the Church, have been given one major common purpose, as stated in Matthew 28:19,20–“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (NIV). That is our common goal as given to us by our Lord. We are also told in Romans 14:19, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (NIV). So while we are going about accomplishing our mission, we are to do it in a manner that “leads to peace.” That brings us back to the Scripture quoted above, Psalm 133:1. We need to live together in unity. Jesus tells us one way to draw people to Him in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (NIV). If we will truly love one another, there will be unity and peace in the Church.