Have you ever had an obstacle in life that was difficult to overcome, and you needed another person to help you? Unity helps us overcome. It is not surprising for any of us to try to overcome obstacles in life on our own only to fail. Failure can be a humbling experience, but necessary for any of us to realize we need others to help us.
In our own spiritual development, we need others to help us overcome the obstacles of life. On our own we are easy targets for the enemy who looks for loners. I remember doing team development training prior to going on a mission trip. During our training there were many obstacles we had to overcome, but you could only overcome them as a team. As a single person if you tried to overcome any of the obstacles you would outright fail. As we grew together in team unity, we were able to be overcomers as we worked together.
The Apostle Paul Gives Insight into Unity
1 Corinthians 1:10I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. [1] Paul knew the value of unity and working together as the body of Christ. It was this same type of unity that enabled the Hebrews to rebuild the walls and gates in Jerusalem that were in ruins.
Let’s Rebuild Together
The walls of Jerusalem had been down for over one hundred years. Nehemiah was a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes of Persia when God placed on his heart to rebuild the walls. Nehemiah went to Jerusalem with permission and resources from the King. After surveying the damaged walls, he shared his vision with the leaders of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 2:17 But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” 18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work. [2]
The key to rebuilding the wall was not their skills and ability, but their unity. They would work as a team to accomplish something that must have seemed impossible at the time. Where is the Lord calling you to work in unity to rebuild? It could be a marriage, your family, your church family, or another area the Holy Spirit is showing you. With God’s help you can rebuild!
Jeremiah 17:7But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. [3] To hear how unity helps us overcome, listen here:
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.