2023 Lenten Season Week Four: Unity by Bro. Darien Watson

What do you think of when you hear “unity”? Military soldiers in formation, a colony of ants, Rihanna’s back up dancers tearing up the stage during the Super Bowl halftime performance? What about a group of black men and women arms crossed, holding hands and swaying side to side singing “we shall overcome”? What does that word make you feel? Are you empowered? Does it make you lose a sense of self? Or does it trigger you to focus on yourself?

Unity reminds me of science class. 4 random students to a table assigned to be lab partners. The challenge for the individual is to trust three other people’s ideas while trying to mesh with different personalities. 4 students who barely know one another have to count on each other to earn a good grade. Ultimately striving towards a common goal. It is putting yourself aside and deciding to work towards something that is bigger than you.

On youth and young adult Sundays, there’s many different elements uniting together to ensure that service is not only on point, but also exhibiting the many gifts and talents within the youth ministries, dance ministry, drama and fine arts, etc. Many different parts yet one body of young believers.1 Corinthians chapter 12 explains how various unlike parts have a function individually that make up the collective. Needless to say that your body parts can't tell each other they have no use for them. “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” It is about the group dynamic. Operating in unity starts with you. Be sure to be in the right posture with the right intentions, seeking better for the greater good.

While you are embodying oneness, don’t forget that the enemy comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He wants to ruin any ties, and destroy the vision the body is striving towards. He wants to divide us and feed us lies to convince us that we are just as effective alone as we are united. When the truth is one can only chase a thousand by themselves. Soon before you know it the group is pointing fingers, arguing, and not getting anything done.

Jesus said it best when he said “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” This is a reminder for me that nothing will be carried out if everyone isn't with one accord. Unity placed its roots deep in my heart at a young age. I remember one summer during VBS (vacation bible study) we would sing one specific song before breaking out into classes and at the end the day before going home. “I need you, you need me. We're all a part of God's body. Stand with me, agree with me. We're all a part of God's body.” These lyrics sound like a blueprint for unity. Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12).

Your role may be different from the person next to you. But, play your part. No one can do it as well as you can. We are believers with different backgrounds, different life experiences, different values, but one goal. Let’s dwell together in unity, as we strive to build the kingdom. Remember, there’s no I in team. But, there is one in unity. Repeat after me: I play a part in unity!