Living in Unity
“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.”
Psalm 133:1-3
Some of the fondest memories I have as a child are going to college football games. Part of the excitement surrounded not what happened at the games, but the weeklong buildup to the games. In the days leading up to those fall Saturdays, my friends and I would passionately discuss (or debate) the list of the Southeastern Conference games that week. And when Saturday finally arrived, I would wake up early to watch Gameday, drape myself in a piece of pale orange attire and begin listening to John Ward on the radio.
Perhaps, the fondest memory was the journey to the game. As I approached the stadium, I would see more and more like-minded people, clad in Pantone 151 C. And, by the time I reached the gate at Neyland Stadium, I would find myself engulfed in an endless sea of orange. The feeling was one of indissoluble unity. Regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic class, we were all united. Perhaps you have had a similar experience going to a Texas, or Texas A&M game?
The unifying power of college football has always reminded me of the unifying power of God’s people. As Jewish pilgrims would journey to worship in Jerusalem, they would often sing Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). These were sung collectively by God’s people as they neared the Temple. Psalm 133 is perhaps the most well-known of these. Not unlike the pilgrimage to a college football stadium on a crisp Autumn Saturday, as the Jewish pilgrims got closer to Jerusalem and saw more of their own kind, they were reminded of their unity. The Psalmist writes: “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
For Christians, the Lord Jesus Christ is the source of our unity. He is the one who binds us together. Dietrich Bonhoeffer makes this point in his wonderful book, “Life Together,” “Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this.” (“Life Together,” p.21)
Christian unity is far stronger than any solidarity the world can offer. Yes, it’s even stronger than a shared allegiance to a beloved football team! That’s because in Christ, we are joined to each other. So, as you begin your day today, remember that Christ has made you part of something much bigger than you can ever imagine.
You are part of His body and His church. And this is a team worth cheering for!
