The Tribune

By Rev Angela C

Bosfield Palacious

Psalm 133 (NIV) addresses the issue of unity: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people 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 on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”

What creates

such unity?

1. Unity of vision: to see a way forward that beckons people to walk together toward greatness.

2. Unity of mission: to share a similar purpose that leads to a maximising of individual and collective potential.

3. Unity in diversity: celebrating God-ordained differences to use our gifts to build up a nation.

How do we

develop such unity?

1. Engage in honest self-evaluation of personal strengths and weaknesses to increase positive contributions and reduce negative ones.
   

2. Engage in honest societal evaluation to ascertain assets and liabilities for nation-building.

3. Strategise together to determine necessary change and begin the process with determination.

4. Be accountable to God, ourselves and one another as we raise the moral and spiritual bar.

How do we

protect our unity?

1. Entertain some realistic and some idealistic expectations.

2. Define limits, create job descriptions and other recognisable boundaries.

3. Strengthen competency with training, study, mentoring and prayer as we cultivate a teachable spirit.

4. Know when it is time to change direction, emphasis and even leadership.

5. Celebrate accomplishments.

6. Improve relationships with the following:

• Open, honest, communication, sharing thoughts and feelings, asking appropriate questions, listening attentively, showing interest and offering affirmation regularly.

• Control of anger and management of conflict.

• Seek healing, extend forgiveness and offer apologies sincerely and swiftly.

How to destroy unity?

The Good News version of Psalm 94:4-6 asks the following pertinent question:

“How much longer will criminals be proud and boast about their crimes? They crush your people, LORD; they oppress those who belong to you. They kill widows and orphans, and murder the strangers who live in our land.”

This along with other types of anti-social behaviour threaten the delicate fabric of national life.

Let us pray for this year to bring a turn around. Let us weep for our wounded and dead, confessing our sins, and seeking God’s forgiveness, healing and blessing. Let us not only present a united front to the world, but let us enjoy the harvest of truly united hearts here at home.