Last month we started our series on unity. We talked about the fact that we need each other in order to make it through this thing called life. We discovered that unity brings power. When we make up our minds to come together, we will discover that we have power that surpasses anything we could ever imagine. We have the power to be effective. The power to succeed. Most importantly, we have the power to change negative situations into positive situations.
This month, in part two, I want to go into a little more detail about the power that unity brings with it. After reading last month’s article, the question becomes “exactly what kind of power does unity carry?” Well, here we go. First and foremost, unity brings encouragement. There’s nothing more encouraging than knowing that you have the support of the people around you. I’ll never forget hearing my dad scream with much enthusiasm over 100 already screaming parents, “Come on Mar!” whenever it was my turn at bat during my little league baseball games. This encouragement and support brought an incredible amount of motivation and strength that allowed me to at least get on base – that is, when I didn’t get hit by a pitch – after all, it was little league. In fact, this encouragement and support helped me ride a bike, drive a car, graduate high school, go to college, accept my call to the ministry and even start a church. Even today, this encouragement and support continues to be the driving force behind my determination to succeed at whatever I put my hand to. So, unity brings encouragement which provides the necessary strength and support that each and every one of us need at some point in our lives in order to feel accepted and ultimately motivated. Unity brings encouragement that can not only give the necessary strength to press forward, but unity brings encouragement that I believe can save marriages, relationships, and other areas of our lives that may seem broken and in need of restoration.
When you unite with someone, you provide encouragement to them. Who have you united with lately? Who have you encouraged lately? If it has been a while since you have shown unity, support, and encouragement, make it a point to do that this week. Determine that, this week, you are going to go out of your way to encourage someone by showing them that you are united with them. All of us know at least one person who needs to know or be reminded of the fact that we stand in unity with them, thus giving them all of the encouragement and support that they need to press forward.
I’m going to end this commentary right here, but we are just getting started. Make sure you join me next month for part three of our “Power of Unity” series.
Valencia Christian Center, “Providing encouragement and hope through the comfort and love of God’s Word”
For more information, please call 661-977-4100 or visit valenciachristiancenter.org .