A case for Unity

Read Psalm 133.

Walking together to the celebration, they sang this song of unity.  

1. The fragrance of unity.
The psalm begins with reference to an earthly view of oneness.  It is a family of faith; brothers and sisters who are equally committed to the LORD.  David compared such unity to the anointing of the high priest. The ceremony included pouring very fragrant oil over his head until it ran down his face.  The smell would have filled the entire immediate area and he would have carried that smell everywhere he went.

Christians give off an odor as well.  Nothing smells worse than a body of believers that cannot get along with each other.  It is most often the result of spiritual immaturity and/or sin.  The basis of our unity is our one faith in Jesus.  It is the unending work of church leaders to help believers to grow in maturity and obedience to Christ.  The family of God is to be serving together working in ministry, not gossiping or tearing down each other.  "...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Chris." (Ephesians 4:12-13)

The unbelieving world desperately needs to smell the fragrance of Christ on us.

2. The fruit of unity.
The psalm concludes with reference to a heavenly view of oneness.    The illustration is of dew falling on Mount Hermon.  In this dry and arid place, any moisture is precious.  With little rain, what dew falls sustains the plant life that is there.  Joining together with like-minded folks who are committed to unity is refreshing.  The world can sap energy and bring dryness to the soul.  Worshiping and serving the LORD together is invigorating to the spirit, encourages our growth, and sustains us.  But there is more.  The blessing of the LORD is eternal life.

We need to practice unity with other believers here because we are going to spend eternity together.