WITHOUT purpose, there is no unity or fellowship. We connect to people because there is a God-given purpose that we need to pursue not just as an individual but as a collective body – be it a common vision, goal or destiny. Cliché as it may sound but indeed, “No man is an island; No man can stand alone”.
Now, the question is what purpose do we stand for? What purpose do we live for? What purpose do we work for? Without one GOOD clear purpose, vision and direction of where an organization is going, unity and fellowship will be difficult to attain. The confusion will rouse different opinions and perspectives from different personalities which at times create division and factionalism. Violation of righteous protocols and ethical standards including our morals in attaining a common goal can also disturb unity.
There are principles in unity and fellowship – not just mere connection through physical contact or communication. Unity is more than that. Unity involves the same frequency of mind, heart and spirit which can only be attained through selfless love and humility.
The truth is there are two kinds of unity – the true unity and the almost genuine unity or false unity. We cannot fool ourselves and God with external unity – seemingly working as one but internally forced to do a specific action to show that one is united with others. No one is pleased with that, only the devil. It breeds lie and hypocrisy. Other factors that destroy unity are envy, jealousy, pride, anger, hatred and bitterness.
True unity bears the fruits of inner and interdependent peace, joy, freedom, healing, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and discipline more than productive physical outputs. These must be our indicators so we can say we have true unity among us.
Let the words of apostle Paul to the Philippians be a reminder to us as we pursue true unity:
“Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ as there certainly is abundance, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship that we share in the Spirit, if there is any great depth of affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love toward one another, knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose and living a life that reflects your faith in Christ Jesus.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit through factional motives or strife, but with an attitude of humility being neither arrogant nor self-righteous, regard others as more important than yourselves.
Do not merely look for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”