UNITED WE STAND – ONE VISION, ONE VOICE

UNITED WE STAND: ONE VISION, ONE VOICE

Deborah Smith Pegues

INTRODUCTION:

The gospel is the foundation of Christian unity; unity is the key to success of human visions and goals.

Conflict and disagreement are “natural” outcomes of human interactions. Why? Because we are not carbon copies of each other. Each of us sees things through a different lens based on our backgrounds and experiences. Despite all the chaos and division in our country and culture today– the political divide, the economic divide, the racial divide—the Gospel offers us a path forward to a peaceful life and success in achieving goals. Ultimately, we all want the same thing: a quality life and the freedom to pursue happiness on a level playing field.

As Christ followers, it’s time for us to look inside and see what role and responsibility we have in all of our “group” interactions to make sure that we embrace the purpose and vision—and walk in the power of unity.

1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV: Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

This is Zoe Center’s theme Scripture for 2025. The passage specifically addresses the divisions that had arisen in the Corinthian church, where factions had formed around different Christian teachers. Paul urges them to move beyond these divisions and find unity in their shared faith in Christ. These principles shared in today’s message will not only bring success to the church but to all group interactions.

WHAT THIS MESSAGE IS NOT ABOUT

• Embracing or being a dictator

• Going alone to get along

• Keeping quiet for “peace sake”

MESSAGE GOAL:

To challenge the people of God to become “Ambassadors of Unity” in all of their “group” relationships (family, work, friends, church family, etc.).

UNITY IS GOOD & PLEASANT

The biggest hindrance to any endeavor is disunity. The enemy knows it. So, he works overtime to keep us divided. Most of the time, we are ignorant of his devices and tactics.

Unity is so key to the kingdom of God that in Jesus’ last and longest prayer, he asked God to cause his current and future disciples to walk in unity.

Psalm 133:1, 3 (NKJV): Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (vs. 1).

It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing— life forevermore. (vs. 3).

· “How Good…” Unity creates synergy, multiplies impact.

God built the concept of synergy into nature – even our bodies. For example, the cooperation of each finger makes our hand effective. Each finger is connected to the center, the palm. Not one is disconnected and functioning independently of the others. It’s God’s way; we must stay connected to Him to be effective.

· “How Pleasant…” Unity is pleasant and emotionally gratifying. We were built, created & designed for the community.

Even on TV shows like SWAT and NCIS, the producers have tapped into people’s need to belong. We see people with different personalities and different ethnic persuasions working through their differences to fulfill the vision that they all must be a great crime fighting squad, medical team, or whatever.

We all bring unique backgrounds and perspectives to the table. We bring the same mindset to each “group” environment. To stay positioned where God can command his blessings upon you, unity must be your prevailing goal and mindset.

WHAT DOES IT REQUIRE OF YOU TO ACHIEVE “ONE VISION & ONE VOICE”?

· Commitment to see the vision come to pass

· Humility (to stop being self-focused and to esteem others)

· Good communication so that others feel heard & valued

The Tower of Babel is a good example of a “united vision”. Rather than spreading themselves all over the earth (as God commanded) to re-populate it after the flood that destroyed the earth, they decided to stay in one place and develop it. They attempted to build a skyscraper as a monument to themselves.

Genesis 11:6-8 NIV: The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language, they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” “So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city.

Note that these survivors didn’t run out of money, material, manpower, nor obviously good management! They simply could not communicate. If you can’t communicate, you can’t build.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION PRODUCES UNITY…

Unity prompts God to command a blessing; it produces unlimited potential.

· If we’re going to see our group vision come to pass, we must listen and seek to appreciate different perspectives—and most importantly, God’s perspective.

· We must become aware of our “Billy Goat” tendency to “but” other’s input! Know that it is not necessary to negate somebody else’s point to make yours.

· Be an intentional Peacemaker. Prayerfully and proactively try to reconcile others in conflict depending on the situation. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God”. Matt. 5:9. If “peacemakers” are blessed, what becomes the plight of “peace-breakers”?

· Try to get along with everybody in your group. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18 NKJV.

CHOOSE TO FORGIVE

To maintain unity, it is important to forgive personal offenses quickly. Don’t wait until you feel positively about the offender. Remember that feelings follow actions. Engage the strategy Jesus commanded.

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.