“UNITY”
By Pastor YAU
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
INTRODUCTION: I believe that all, at least most, people
agree with me that unity is very important in life: be it at home, at work, in
a society or a nation, in business or military, etc. Just as the beginning of
the scripture quotation says, ”Two is BETTER than
one.” But in real life, UNITY is hard to find, difficult to achieve. Many failures
and sufferings are the results of disunity. King Solomon says it well in these
Bible verses the benefits of unity.
BENEFITS OF UNITY:
1)
It multiplies the
results of labor. There are many things that can only be done by more than just
oneself. The wisdom, strength and coordination of a team, even as small as two,
are always better than just by one man. (4:9)
2)
It provides
support and strength in time of failure and setbacks. No one is invincible of
failures. We all need someone to be there when we are exhausted of plans and
hopes. (
3)
It increases
warmth, courage, emotional support and mutual reliance in the path of life.
Loneliness is a vicious enemy to success. (
4)
It protects and
defends each other against many foes, failures and harm. Watching for one
another may detour many attacks. (4:12a)
5)
It endures hardships,
lasts longer and promotes results. (4:12b)
KILLERS OF UNITY:
1)
Selfishness and
self-seeking. (Phil. 2:4) People who are self-centered can never be united with
anyone else to achieve a common goal. Few are willing to work or sacrifice for
those selfish people.
2)
Pride is the next
killer that will certainly kill unity. (Prov. 13:10)
People who are so proud of themselves, who look down on others, will never get
support from others.
3)
Unforgiving is
the next killer of unity. (Mark 11:25-26) No one can or are able to be close to
someone who always holds grudges or anger against others. We are all human, and
are doomed to step on some toes. Forgiveness is a must if you want others to
help you.
4)
Narrow minded
people always focus on the gulf of difference rather than the common ground
which all may build trust and cooperation. (I Corinthians 12:24-25) People are
born very different, even twins. We can never be able to be united if we always
focus on the differences.
5)
Isolationists:
Loners will not have people to be united with. The life of a loner is small and
limited. People like this will feel lonely even amount 1,000s of others around
them. They don’t feel, or don’t have the
skill, to get along with people, much less to promote unity for common good.
UNITY IS NOT OF HUMAN NATURE: (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Paul
understood the defects of human nature, especially in regard to unity. That’s
why he encouraged his readers to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit for the
keeping of unity. Spiritual growth and maturity will surely help to
promote unity each step of life.
UNITY BEARS TREMENDOUS IMPORTANCE: (John
The last
prayer of Jesus before He was crucified was a prayer for unity amount His disciples
and all those who later will believe in Him thru their messages. The gospel
message and its future all depended on the unity of the disciples. It was that
important then, and is that important now.
CONCLUSION:
The worst
damage the