How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133

 

 The unity of the brethren begins with a common faith: “There is one faith,” says the Scripture.  But David speaks, not only of believing in unity, but of living in unity.  This requires effort on our part for there are natural differences among us which war against the pleasant unity David so enjoyed.  One’s temperament, upbringing, and life experiences give him a perspective on life that differs from those around him.  This could prove helpful to the body of Christ as each contributes his level of wisdom to the whole.  But more often than not, pride makes our differences into a wedge that divides us.  Pride makes a god of our own opinions, and by that “god” we condemn those who differ from us and banish them from our close fellowship.

How sad!  That which could prove so pleasant is forfeited so that we may cling to our self-aggrandizing ways!  Oh, for a gracious dose of that humility that binds us to one another in that sweet and pleasant fellowship of God’s people!  Such humility begins with recognizing that all men of the same faith are, indeed, brethren, despite what other differences may exist.  Such humility allows us to rejoice in one another, enjoy one another and fellowship with one another in a sweet and happy unity.  Such humility breaks down the walls of suspicion and opens the way for open and free friendship.  Such humility draws us out of the dark, cold places in which we hide from others for fear of being found out and brings us into the warm and inviting community of loving brethren who, with similar humility, dwell in peace with their brethren.

How the church is anointed with grace when such a spirit prevails!  How the blessings of God flow down from heaven to us when we live with our brethren in unity!  God grant it to be so.