Umoja in the Swahili language means Unity. Unity is a central principle in our lives. Yet it is fleeting in a world where many celebrate dis-unity, hatred, discord and ethnocentrism. Unity is essential in the family, the community, our places of worship, our world and especially in our homes. If we do not practice and teach unity and one-accord in our homes, there is no chance for unity in our society. Today we see leadership instigating disunity and hatred, and unfortunately many of us respond to this in kind and embrace hatred in an equally destructive vengeful response.
Hatred of your fellow man, is a subconscious fear and a sense of self-inadequacy. It is like the school yard bully who picks on the smart kid, when what he really wants is to be smart himself. This, overtime, becomes self-fulfilling, instead of being unconscious, it gains consciousness and becomes real in our lives. I really am better than you! I don't like you!
The Bible says on Psalms 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" NIV. God's people are not just those who call themselves Christians. We are all God's children. Some of us reject our calling, or deny our creator. That does not change the fact that He is God, it just changes our response to His love for us. This rejection of His sovereignty in our lives is what ultimately leads to disunity, which leads to hatred. We see this in the story of Cain and Abel. Cain developed envy, which led to hatred, which lead to the murder of His brother, primarily because his brother was faithful and he was not (Gen.4).
Unity is not sameness, it is one in purpose. John 17:22 says; "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one-" NIV. As God is one in purpose, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, so we too should be one in love, self-sacrifice and kindheartedness. Unity, Umoja, is where we become one in purpose as a family, society, a people and a world. Imagine a world that is truly unified. Where each person matters. Imagine a world that is truly unified, where God is revered, not for what He can do, but for who He is. Imagine a world that is truly unified, where the thought of hurting your fellow man, makes you sick to your stomach. This is the world that Jesus is talking about when he says, "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me, in My Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you, and If I go, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye may be also" KJV. As we look forward to the fulfillment of prophecy, let is today be unified as one, and let it begin with you.
Comments