What Causes Unity?

In yesterday's post I took a brief look at what causes division. It was by no means exhaustive, but one foundational element was that divided hearts have a hard time being unified. When our hearts are divided between God and other things or worse yet our hearts aren't turned to God at all, it becomes quite easy to divide our lives and our relationships. That post spent a good number of words warning against what NOT to do. This post focuses on what TO do.

Towards a Unified Heart
I am not about to claim that my heart is undivided toward God all, or even most, of the time. Growing an undivided heart is a life-long process, though, and it's something that needs constant tending. Cultivating it, though, is part of what this life is all about. (PURPOSE)

Before I go any deeper, I think it's important to define two things: 1) Unity and 2) an undivided heart. The American Heritage Dictionary defines unity as:
1) The state or quality of being one; singleness.
2) The state or quality of being in accord; harmony.
3) a. The combination or arrangement of parts into a whole; unification.
b. A combination or union thus formed.
4) Singleness or constancy of purpose or action; continuity: "In an army you need unity of purpose" (Emmeline Pankhurst).

I think each one of those definitions has relevance to our lives, our relationships and the Church. It is God's desire that we be unified, one, but often times we don't look or act like we are "in accord, harmony" or have a "singleness of constancy of purpose or action". What could God's people be if they did? Think of the power and glory that such a unification would bring - both to this earth and to God.

I have offered a prescription for unity - an undivided heart. But what does an undivided heart look like? Again, let's go back to our definition of "unity". In particular #4 "Singleness or constancy of purpose or action; continuity". Does my heart beat with a single or constant purpose or action (loving and worshipping God)? Does it do so continuously? Are my life and my actions lived and done for His glory or for mine?

Practically speaking, an undivided heart is a supernatural occurance. How can I as a mere human have an undivided heart when I have a wife,a son, family and friends, and my own desires to boot? How can I, God-like, love all these people (and my neighbor!) as God would have me AND love God with all my heart, sould, mind, strength (resources)? Again, I don't think _I_ can. It must come from a supernatural indwelling of the Holy Spirit, because such a feat is a miracle of the supernatural. Yet, we are called to it and Jesus, Himself, prays for it. (John 17:20-26)

Example of Unity: Soldiers Under Fire
We've seen unity before in our lives. It may not have been in the church, though, and it may not even have been supernatural. But I think it may be useful to see an example of unity in action any see if we can find any common causes.

It is common to hear about soldiers who have experienced combat together to talk of the deep commeraderie or oneness that was achieved on the battlefield (think Band of Brothers...) These soldiers rarely knew each other before the enlisted and probably came from disparate backgrounds. Yet, the heat of battle forged them together into a single unit, even moreso than a squad under peace-time conditions. There are certainly psychological reasons why that would be so, but I think those are instrumental to our discussion. Here is what I see brings them together:
1) A single purpose (accomplish a mission, or simply survive)
2) Total reliance on each other for survival
3) Suffering together (either physical injury or duress, or psychological/emotional loss if death occurs)
4) Being victorious together (completing a mission/surviving the tour)

No doubt there is more to it than that, but at the core of their unity is their relationships. These people are stuck together and not by choice. They live and die together and rely on one another for protection, friendship and support. These bonds are founded on human, natural grounds, but the relationships and unity appear very much supernatural.

Lessons Learned
Is there a lesson to be learned here? Yes. As Christians we have (or should have) each one of the elements listed above 1) A single purpose (love the Lord our God - But what does this look like?) every other purpose is derived from that. 2) We truly rely on one another for spiritual survival. (see 2 Corinthians 12:12-31) I'm sure it's possible to subsist without a fellowship of believers, but I'm not convince one can thrive. 3) and 4) Again, see Paul's remarks in 2 Corinthians: "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."

An undivided body starts with an undivided heart. An undivided heart is one which beats for God and God alone (which is not exclusive of other relationships.) The ability to have an undivided heart is a supernatural gift from God. It is not humanly possible. Undivided hearts lead to an undivided body. So where to start?

I want to get into more practical ways to create unity in future posts but for now, here are a few ways to get started:

1) Spend time reading the Bible
2) Spend time in prayer. In particular, pray for other people, especially any one you feel divided against. Pray to bless them.
3) If there is anyone you feel has sinned against you - forgive them. Also, see number 2.
4) Spend time with other believers - pray together, worship together, enjoy each other's company

Next time I get specific, and back to the Lord's Prayer.