According to Google’s AI overview, unity can be defined as “the state of being one or whole, often through harmony, agreement, or a shared purpose, where separate parts form a complete, functioning entity”. Unity “emphasizes agreement, concord, and togetherness, often for a common purpose”, and it also represents “oneness in mind, purpose, or form”. According to the Word, one of the unifying factors for believers is Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 4:3-4). Let’s Talk!
After the great flood, God gave instructions to Noah, his family, and the living creatures saved from the flood to be fruitful and multiple so the earth could be replenished. The descendants of Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, as well as the animals set out to do just that. In Genesis chapter 11, we read about a group of people migrating to the east, finding a plain in the land of Shinar, and settling there. We read that the people spoke the same language and agreed on one goal: to build a great city for themselves. They desired to build a tower within this city as well. This tower was projected to reach into the sky, make them famous, and keep them from being scattered all over the world. BUT GOD! We read that He saw their unity and knew that because of it, they would be able to accomplish anything they set out to do so He confused their language. As a result of this, the people stopped building the city and tower and scattered all over the earth. And with that, God’s original plan for them to replenish the earth proceeded.
As mentioned above, the people became unified, made a plan, and began to successfully execute that plan. The issue was that the people were unified IN REBELLION to God’s plan. While they desired to settle in that certain area, God desired for them to spread out across the earth. While they desired to be made famous in that area, God desired for them to be free of pride and known throughout the land. Their desire to work at making their own plans successful overshadowed the fulfillment of God’s plan for them. This caught His attention resulting in Him coming down and confusing the very thing they needed to execute their plans: communication via language. He knew that if they couldn’t communicate utilizing the same language, they would become divided and unsuccessful.
Unfortunately, we tend to develop our own plans and strategies just as the people in Genesis chapter 11 did. We tend to move more effortlessly with people with commonalities than we move with Holy Spirit. When we notice division within our family units, households, friend groups, church homes, workplaces, and any other setting, we automatically place the blame on the devil or others who do not possess commonalities with us. Why don’t we consider that we may have caught God’s attention due to our rebellion? Why don’t we consider that He may be confusing the language in an attempt to redirect our attention back to His plan instead of one’s we’ve agreed upon? Why don’t we consider division as a prompting to check ourselves? Why don’t we view division as a catalyst for realignment with God’s plan? Friend, there are times when God has to get our attention in a manner that is unconventional. You may be wondering if God would do such a thing. Yes, He would as an act of grace and mercy for His children who have become unified in rebellion versus unified by His Spirit. It is mandatory that we know and fulfill God’s plans rather than our own. For it is written in Proverbs chapter 16 verse nine that we can make our own plans, but the Lord determines our steps! Ttyl!
Real Talk with Keve 