We are all different. We have different backgrounds, different upbringings, and different beliefs. And along with all those differences, we also carry our different pasts and the different places we’ve come from. We all have different states of mind and points of view.

It’s really a beautiful thing. But those differences can also be a source of conflict. They can cause arguments and dissension in the home, in your workplace, and in every relationship in your life. And why? Because of a lack of unity.

Unity is the only way we can truly appreciate other people’s gifts and allow them to live and work in those gifts. Unity, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is a condition of harmony. Unity is the only way we, with all of our differences, can come together to accomplish anything.

But there are 3 things that kill unity. 3 things that may be sabotaging your relationships. What I don’t want you to do is read these things and think, "Oh, so-and-so needs to read this! They totally have this problem." That may be so… But that’s not what this is about. I really want you to have the maturity to examine your life and your relationships to see if any of these 3 things are present.

1. Jealousy. It is impossible to have unity with jealousy. It is absolutely impossible to have unity in an organization if jealousy is present. This includes jealousy of people’s gifts, recognition, position, money, spouse, or happiness. If jealousy is present, unity cannot exist because jealousy causes division.
2. Judgment. It is impossible to have unity with judgment. Judgment belittles someone else’s gifts, position, or success. Nonacceptance of certain people, which happens because of judgment, causes division and kills unity. When you won’t listen to anyone, when you’re critical, and when you have to be the chief authority on everything, you are walking in absolute judgment.
3. Pride. It’s impossible to have unity where there is pride. Prideful people believe everything is set up to serve them. They have to have the credit for everything, even for the things other people do. They have to do everything themselves. Prideful people think it’s their job to change other people. But the only one any of us can change is ourselves.

All 3 of these things KILL unity. They destroy harmony. They cause conflicts, arguments, bitterness, and resentment in relationships.

So how do you BUILD unity? Just as there are unity killers, there are unity builders.

1. Encouragement. Encouragement is so important to unity. It’s what pushes people on to be the best they can be. We must believe in them even when they don’t believe in themselves. We must encourage them to go beyond what they think is possible, beyond what they think they can do, beyond anything they have ever done. Encouragement creates unity.
2. Acceptance. Acceptance is mercy. It means being merciful to one another and being there for one another in times of trials and mistakes. Acceptance means covering people’s backs instead of reminding them of their mistakes and kicking them while they’re down. It also means embracing other people’s gifts without trying to change them to be like yours. It’s about being a safe place for each person to be themselves.
3. Humility. Humility means thinking of others higher than yourself. Hear me on this – it does not mean putting yourself down or squashing yourself to make the other person feel better. NO! It means honoring others for who they are and pulling the best out in them. It means taking the focus off of yourself, and focusing on other people and the entire team. True humility gives credit where credit is due, instead of needing to be recognized and take credit for everything they do.

It all comes down to this: Everyone you encounter is unique. We all have different stories, different feelings, gifts, and dreams. Each person in your family, in your office, in your church, in your client base, in your community is different. And each person is significant.

That’s why it’s so important to learn how to motivate other people’s strengths and train up their weaknesses without condemnation, and to truly embrace their differences. Because we all need each other. And we can all learn from each other! We can learn to work together in unity instead of division.

Unity is not conforming to one idea of what is socially acceptable. Our lack of wisdom tries to force conformity in place of unity. But this is foolishness. I believe true unity is diversity in harmony. It is appreciating the strengths and weaknesses of each individual and coming together to form a mutually beneficial relationship.

This goes for your home, your workplace, and your community. Where there is unity, there is harmony and teamwork. Where there is unity, your influence explodes and your bottom line is increased. Where there is unity, relationships flourish. Where there is unity, there is freedom for each person to truly be who they were designed to be.

You’ve seen today how important unity is to a family or organization. So right now I want you to think of 10 people you know who need to read this. Go ahead and share this post on Facebook and Twitter. Then I’d love to know your thoughts on today’s Daily Fix. Do you agree? Disagree? Please share your comments here.

That’s it for me today. I hope you have a really great weekend! If you’re joining me in Orlando this weekend for First Steps to Success, I’ll see you there!

In great faith,

P.S. You got a glimpse of the power of unity today – but it’s so much deeper than I could share in one short post. Click here to learn more.