Everyone is different… different backgrounds, different upbringings, different beliefs. And along with all those differences, everyone also carries different pasts and different cultural influences. We all have different states of mind and points of view.

It’s such a beautiful thing. But those differences can also be sources of conflict. Differences can cause arguments and dissension in the home, in your workplace and in every relationship. Why? A lack of unity.

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

Unfortunately, three things kill unity and may actually sabotage your relationships. Now don’t read these things and think, “Oh, so-and-so really needs to read this! They totally have this problem.” That may be so… but that’s not what this is about. I want you to find the maturity to examine your life and your relationships, to see if any of these might be present.

1. Jealousy: Unity and jealousy simply cannot co-exist. It is absolutely impossible to have unity in an organization, with jealousy present. This includes jealousy of other’s gifts, recognition, position, money, spouse or happiness. If jealousy is present, unity cannot exist… since jealousy causes division.
2. Judgment: Judgment kills unity faster than the blink of an eye. Judgment belittles someone else’s gifts, position or success. Not accepting certain people, which happens as a result of judgment, causes division… which we know kills unity. Failing to listen to anyone, being critical and asserting yourself as the chief authority on everything, means you walk in absolute judgment.
3. Pride: It’s impossible to have unity in the presence of pride. Prideful people believe everything is designed to serve them. They must receive credit for everything – even for things other people do. They have to do everything themselves. Prideful people think it’s their job to change other people. But the only person any of us can change, is ourself.

Whether together or even individually, all three of these things KILL unity and DESTROY harmony. They cause conflicts, arguments, bitterness and resentment in relationships.

So, exactly how do you BUILD unity? Just as there are unity “killers,” there are also unity “builders.”

1. Encouragement: Unity thrives in an environment of encouragement. It pushes people to be their best. You must believe in them, even when they don’t believe in themselves. You must encourage them to go beyond what they believe 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 having someone’s back, 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 providing a safe place for each person to be who they actually are.
3. Humility: Humility means putting others before yourself. Hear me on this – it does not mean putting yourself down, to make someone else feel better. NO! It means honoring others for who they are and pulling out the best in them. It means taking the focus off yourself and focusing on other people on your team. True humility gives credit where credit is due, instead of needing to be recognized and taking credit for everything.

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, your office, your church, your client base, your community is different… and significant!

That’s why it’s so important to learn how to encourage other people’s strengths and coach them within their weaknesses – without condemnation – to truly embrace their differences. We all need each other. And we can all learn from each other! We can learn to work together, in unity… instead of division.

Now don’t mistake unity as conforming to one “socially acceptable” idea. A lack of wisdom tries to force conformity, instead of unity. But this is foolishness. I believe true unity is diversity working in harmony. It appreciates the strengths and weaknesses of each individual and comes together to form a mutually-beneficial relationship.

This applies in your home, your workplace and your community. Where there is unity, there is harmony and teamwork. Where there is unity, your influence explodes and bottom line increases. 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 the importance of unity to a family or organization. So right now, I want you to think of 10 people, who need to read this. Go ahead and share this post on Facebook and Twitter. Then, I’d love to know your thoughts on The Daily Fix. Do you agree? Disagree? Please share your comments with me below!

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In great faith,

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