UNITY and HARMONY
Much is said in the religious world today about having unity. There is also much said about being in harmony. Many erroneously think the two are one and the same. There is a real need to understand the difference in unity and harmony.
Perhaps an example from our home this past holiday season can help us see the difference. Our son, Paul arranged three holiday songs for us to sing at home this year to go along with the festivities of the season. They are: Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland, and Deck the Halls. As we gathered in our home to sing these new arrangements, there was unity as we collectively set about to fulfill the purpose of making music together. However, as I was included as one of the singers, at first there was anything but harmony. I had to be taught my part since I don’t read music and usually sing lead (on songs I have memorized). I was asked to sing a different part. The desired harmony was finally achieved, but only because unity in purpose was maintained by all participants. We had a lot of fun!
Now, how can that example help us understand the disunity in the world of religion? Many in religion seek harmony based on compromise. This will not do!
What if our son were to say: “That’s O.K. dad, you sing whatever you “feel”. We’ll just compromise.” Why, that would be anything but harmonious.
In order for unity or harmony to exist, there must be a standard. This is where a lot of folks miss the point. There has to be a standard before unity can be realized. Man wants to set the standard, and often as it suits him the standard is changed to fit the situation or circumstances. With God there is but one standard and it is not subject to change. We are told in Psalms 119:89 as the psalmist was directed by the Spirit: For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. God’s Word is sure; is unchanging; and has been delivered to man so that we can see how we are to live in harmony according to these Words.
Man cannot be; or cannot set the standard. The Spirit had Isaiah convey this to Israel in Isaiah 55:9 so that they might understand that God had set the standard. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. The unity that exists in the Godhead exists to reveal and carry out the purpose of saving souls. Harmony can only exist if and when we follow His Standard. This standard is what the Spirit had the psalmist reveal in Psalms 119:11 as well as the result of abiding faithfully by that standard. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. The Spirit provided the Word and that Word is that one Standard.
The Spirit also had the psalmist write in Psalms 133:1 that it is a good thing for brethren to dwell together in unity. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Therefore unity can only be realized when all follow the same standard. In 1Corinthians 1:10 in an effort to stop the “splintering” that had begun to occur there, the Spirit had Paul write these Words to them: 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. And, in Philippians 3:16 the Spirit had Paul direct them in much the same way and by the same standard. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Then, in the Ephesians letter we read of the eternal purpose of God and how it is accomplished. Ephesians 3:11 - According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
As music is written and arranged, the notes on the page become the standard and unless that standard is followed; each person singing correctly as their notes direct, harmony cannot occur. With music, if necessary, the arrangement can be changed as needed to suit the arranger. If the one doing the arranger really knows music, he or she can alter the arrangement and if everyone follows their notes harmony can be achieved, even though a slightly different melody results. But when each participant is united in purpose, following the notes correctly, harmony is achieved and the beauty of the music is delivered.
In religion, God is author and arranger. His Word is not to be changed and woe to the one that does change it. That Standard is set. Christ paid the price so the beauty and purpose of the gospel could be revealed. The Spirit is the conductor and has delivered the Word for us to follow. Can we not see that if we “walk” not in accordance to that Word we cannot have unity? Can we not see that if we do not follow that Word as delivered, we cannot have harmony?
If we will all follow the Word, each “rightly dividing” it and doing as it directs, we will see the purpose of the gospel fulfilled and will remain in the “unity of the Spirit”. We will also be in harmony with God and with each other. The “discord” that exists among many brethren will dissipate and unity will take its place. This is what God wants as His children worship and work and watch till the Lord returns to receive His own. Let us strive for true unity and harmony in our lives through the Word of God. Dennis S. – Mooresville church of Christ
