Adherents of almost all beliefs and religions speak about unity, but in practice that unity ends up either in disintegration, with destructive fall-out among its own members, or it ends up in a long-lasting and constructive relationship.
All those beliefs that promote the theory of evolution and also the religion of Islam speak about an ultimate global unity, but all believe that they cannot reach unity unless their group strive against other groups and prevails over them.
All other beliefs that see the solution in the power of man and crown him as a god believe that they will reach unity by empowering individualism and self-centeredness, whereas self-centeredness is the major obstacle to unity.
There can be no hope of unification among individuals, groups or people or nations for a long-lasting relationship unless they are under a head whose belief is designed to unite people together from the beginning to the end. He combats the threat of conflict among them but establishes them in a path where they are able to unite their hearts, minds, feelings, plans, purposes and acts in such a way as if they belong to one another as the members of a healthy body. He not only unites them in all conduct of life but strengthens their zeal to love one another as their own body and further become the voice of this unity to others. This amazing unity is taught in the Gospel of Jesus Christ only:
Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:2-5, ESV)
People need to follow Jesus Christ who is able to take the human race as a whole, bring people together from various national backgrounds, renew their minds and hearts so that they can walk together delightfully in His Path. Life which ensues from the message of the gospel practically and consistently nurtures unity despite differences in cultures, habits and laws. Cultural and habitual differences naturally force people into alienation and dominance. However a true belief enlarges people’s understanding of and commitment to taking personal responsibility for establishing unity. It enriches cultures so that people can unite their whole strength, wills, practices, cares and judgments together for following the best role model and thereby protect themselves from the forces of alienation.
In a truly unified group, people do not reject each other, but have unceasing peace which enables advancement in every aspect of life. This is because in peace the advancement of one also represents the advancement and benefit of others. There is no sense of competitiveness or personal gain at the expense of others.
The greatness of Jesus Christ is seen in His ability to establish such a unity among people of all colors, races, nationalities and ranks. For this unique task He deserves to be the commander in all things and among all nations and generations. The Prophet Isaiah defines the role of Jesus Christ very well:
…. the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. There is no end of the increase of His government and peace …. (Read Isaiah 9:6-7, MKJV)
Because He is the Prince of Peace, there is no end of His unity, and because He has the heart of an everlasting and loving Father, He does not allow war and hostility to run the lives of His followers. That’s why nothing is more important than the love and harmony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel says:
Through Him having made peace through the blood of His cross, it pleased the Father to reconcile all things to Himself through Him, whether the things on earth or the things in Heaven. (Colossians 1:20, MKJV)
By virtue of the reconciliation through Jesus Christ, we are established for eternal unity and peace. Our friendship in Christ is not divided but perfect to the extent that not only do we share the joy of reconciliation here on earth but also hereafter.
We, as the followers of Christ, are called to be the messengers of this unity to the world. Let us exercise our role in this New Year faithfully, embrace His plan for unity with the full purpose of our hearts and thereby prove to others by our lives that He is the only One to unite people in eternal truth, love and peace. The practice of our unity on earth will make the unity plan of Jesus Christ relevant to all nations and will pave the way for us all for an amazing song of unity in the future (Revelation 7:9-12).
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