The Super Bowl - it's an annual sports event that attracts an unbelievable number of viewers every year, drawing a record breaking average of 98.7 million U.S. viewers in 2009! Folks watch for a variety of reasons from a simple love of the game, a curiosity in the half-time entertainment, to interest in the advertising campaigns. Though some may argue this point, there's really only one thing we can state with certainty and that is: the two football teams on the field have earned the right to be there and compete for the NFL championship title. How did they do it? Ask any member on either team, and they will tell you they are there because of teamwork. Of course, there are always a few who possess tremendous individual talent, but personal abilities don't matter very much if everyone doesn't agree to work with the other toward the single-minded goal of winning the game. It's the power of unity.

I believe it would be virtually impossible to be an American living in the United States and not give some thought to the issue of unity. Our founding fathers understood the value of a country united. The pledge of allegiance declares we are "one nation, under God" that is "indivisible." In spite of our numerous religious and political factions, we've celebrated over 200 years as a nation because we've stood united in defense of our country's honor and freedom.

When Solomon began building the temple in Jerusalem, he didn't pick up a hammer and begin the work alone! According to II Chronicles 2:18, he assigned "70,000 to be burden bearers, 80,000 to work in the mountain quarries, and 3,600 as overseers." Many worked together toward a common goal. Once completed, the people gathered together and brought in the Ark of the Covenant to dedicate the temple to the Lord. What happened next is incredible! 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 says, "And when the trumpeters and singers were joined in unison, making one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord...then the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud. So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God!" Wow!

In Proverbs 6 , Solomon lists seven things the Lord hates. Coming in at number seven on the list is "the one who sows discord among his brothers." Proverbs 6:19 The fact that Jesus prayed for unity should cause Believers everywhere to dissuade discord and pursue oneness with greater fervor. John 17:21 Unity is something God has a desire to see permeate every aspect of our lives, from our worship to our work, because He knows the difference it makes between an average life and an abundant one. Why do you think Satan fights so hard against it? You've heard the statement, "United we stand; divided we fall." One of the major military strategies used against the opponent is divide and conquer! It's a strategy that works, and our spiritual opponent, the devil, uses it on a regular basis. In Luke 11:17 , Jesus said, "Every kingdom divided against itself cannot stand." No one who has ever suffered through the destructive power of division and strife needs to be convinced of this truth. As long as Satan can keep us divided, we are weak, ineffective, and little or no threat to his kingdom. However, united and working together, Believers become a powerful force that the enemy cannot withstand. King David said, "How wonderful it is when brothers live together in unity!" Psalm 133:1 And to that, let me add, "Amen!"

Well, if it's so important, what can Believers do to encourage it? In chapters 4-6 of Ephesians, Paul gives us all sorts of things we can do, but I'll just call your attention to the most basic one. It's found in Ephesians 4: 15b: "Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him, Who is the Head." In this single verse, Paul reveals the foundation that is vital for unity, and it is this: submission to the headship of Christ in everything. The opposite of this is usually at the root of discord in our lives. When relationships at home, work, or church are characterized by conflict and dissension, it usually means that Christ-centered humility has deflated and me-centered egotism has inflated. When too many people attempt to be the head - when you have too many prima donnas and not enough team players - THAT is the perfect climate for disunity to flourish. On the other hand, when we submit to the headship of Christ, the fruit of the spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, will be more evident in our lives. Gal 5:22-23 It's as though God's love enfolds us and develops a love within us that then enfolds everything that pours out from us. It's all connected - from the Head to our heart to the world. With Christ as our authority and focus and His love bathing our words and actions, unity can then become a real possibility. Notice I said, "possibility." Experience has taught me that there are two kinds of people in this world: peacemakers and troublemakers, the latter of which will stand adamantly opposed no matter what we do. However, that doesn't excuse us from making the effort. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God!" Matt 5:9 With that thought in mind, let me encourage you - the next time someone comes to you with a tasty morsel of gossip or a comment that -in any way- promotes discord, choose to give unity a voice in your world. Grow up in the Lord! Submit your thoughts, words, and actions to His control; and allow His love to enfold every part of what you say and do. Then stand back and watch what God will do with a people working and living together in unity.