As One
The Jews had been back in their homeland for seven months when they all came together in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to God (see “First Things First” blog). The Bible says they came together “as one” (Ezra 3:1). They were so unified in purpose that they could operate as if they were one person. It’s a great expression that gets at the kind of unity we can experience as we seek to serve God with those of like heart.
Yet, sometimes our understanding of unity can hinder us from actually experiencing true unity. A problem arises when we assume that unity is the same as unanimity.
Unanimity suggests complete agreement. However, unity is the formation of a whole or one by combining separate, distinct parts. Diversity is an essential component of unity.
In an orchestra, unanimity is everyone playing the same musical line as the clarinets and trying to sound like them. Unity is the trumpets, saxophones, flutes, trombones, clarinets, percussion, and other instruments playing the same song with one conductor, but adding their unique sounds and musical lines to create a complex harmony, a rich oneness.
Diverse people unified by One Person and His purposes can come together as one and accomplish amazing things for Him.
Note: Part of this blog was first published by the author in an article in the MB Herald (November, 2013 issue).