David goes on in this Psalm to describe unity as the oil flowing down the beard of Aaron & onto the edge of his robe. He also describes it as the dew that comes down on Hermon being the same dew that comes down on Zion. It's beautiful imagery. We see unity as something that flows from one person to the next, something that produces life, and something that is blessed. The word translated "unity" comes from a root word meaning "to be (or become) one." How many of you know that is a blessing all in itself.
As I reflected upon it this morning, I was reminded of something that I heard several years ago. Some time ago, a group of scientist decided to write down amino acid sequences of DNA as a series of text letters. Then they would assign musical notes to the different values of the amino acids in each sequence. The result of this application produces a song. Since no two people have the same DNA, then no two people have the same song. It's all a part of your unique make-up or design. What does this mean for you? It means the Earth doesn't need you to be a Cover Band for someone else's song. Walking in your identity allows us to see/hear your song unfold.
Let's carry that image just a little bit further. Imagine each & every person in the church walking in their identity. Every single person has a particular song coming out of them. Now imagine as these people come together in unity. They will still possess the same song/sound but now what comes out of the whole is harmonious. It reminds me of a symphony. The beauty (and complexity) of a symphony is every instrument playing their unique part. If we heard each of these instruments playing their part by themselves, it probably wouldn't make much sense. However, bring them together and you have a work of art. I envision the Lord sitting back, seeing us walking in UNITY, and enjoying the beautiful harmony that is us in relationship. We are His symphony, releasing His song, & filling the earth with His glory.
Is it any wonder that Paul encourages the church to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace? Is it any wonder why Jesus spent a lot of time instructing His disciples to love one another? He knows the symphony that we create when we dwell in unity. Ephesians 2:10 says that "we are His handiwork..." - a tapestry - a masterpiece. When you look at a work of art, or listen to a symphony, you can notice all the individual pieces. "Look at that line of color." "Listen to that violin." But what is breathtaking is how each individual part works together to create the whole.
When I was a kid, I didn't realize that the theme to the Lone Ranger was from the William Tell Overture. I wasn't introduced to the entire song until I was in 9th Grade. Of course, when we came to the trumpet blasts, my mind immediately flashed to the black & white image of the Lone Ranger riding Silver across the plain. Unfortunately, this is not too far removed from what we do in church. We tend to celebrate the individual. We recognize their part while missing out on the whole. Which is why I'm grateful to see so many churches placing their vision out in front. While we may be tempted to celebrate a pastor, a worship leader, or a particular teacher - we desperately need each part. I have a friend who pastors a church in Pennsylvania and their vision is quite clear: "empowered people advancing God's kingdom in the earth. We embrace a casual, safe atmosphere, in which we equip, activate and release each person to understand and pursue their original identity and purpose..." Any time I am around this group of believers, I see this vision played out fully in their lives. I hear the harmony of their song together and it is breathtaking.
What does our unity sound like to the Lord?
OR...what does our disunity do in His hearing?
One more question: What does the world hear?
May our lives resonate with the following words. A quote from Mr. Holland's Opus (edited for our purpose):
"We are your symphony Abba. We are the melodies and the notes of your opus. We are the music of your life."
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