Charles Ives, an American composer once remarked: “A rare experience of a moment at daybreak, when something in nature seems to reveal all consciousness, cannot be explained at noon. Yet it is part of the day's unity.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 reminds us: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
Unity is defined as the state of being united or joined as a whole. It can include an amalgamation of two or more commodities or functions which may remain distinct as solitary modules, or combined in purpose to make a partnership. The moon is known to be entirely separate from the sun and usually appears at different times during each day. Notably the sun in daylight and the moon at night. However, it is possible to see both the sun and the moon in the sky at the same time during the hours of daylight. The moon is renowned to have no illumination of its own, when we see the moon brightly shining in its silvery glow, we are viewing the reflection of light provided by the sun. Isaiah 30:26 confirms: “Moreover, the light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day when the Lord binds up the brokenness of his people, and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.”
The moon and the sun, despite periods of seclusion from one another, remain in strong partnership. A partnership often contains a unique and special bond that is difficult to separate. Without the sun, the moon would not be seen clearly, if at all. The moon is often regarded as a symbol of love and romance. Its unique attraction that sweethearts deem so idyllic, often increases or strengthens the unity between two people which can enhance romance or even an immeasurable love. Without any form of light, the moon would not be seen in its entirety or even as a crescent. However, it is much stronger and more important than one may consider. It not only triggers a largely controlling tidal force, but with the sun, their opposing gravitational pull work together to create a strong element of power over the sea to varying degrees. In addition, the moon also makes the earth a more liveable planet by moderating the sway on its axis as it spins, leading to a relatively more stable climate.
Family life is often a unity of two or more individuals living together. Its success and survival are dependent on harmony, consideration, trust and love. Such is the case in our unity with God. There is only one sun and only one moon. God expands that concept into one divine being in three. The Trinity is collectively known as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. John 17:11-23 reminds us: “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.
While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
Bonds are important in life. They are the reverberation of a successful unity between all those involved. Bonds separate the loneliness and isolation of singular living. They nurture social connection and provide a purpose, together with the enjoyment and fulfillment of social gatherings. For humans who are on their own with no immediate family, the church can replace the solitude of life. Friendships and the unity gained from meeting others regularly can encourage, inspire and give hope where no hope currently exists. William Shakespeare, an English playwright and poet once remarked: “A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become and still gently allows you to grow.” Just as certain species of animals thrive on the company of others and live together in companionship, groups or packs, so the same principle can be similarly beneficial to humans. The security gleaned in living by this method considerably rebuffs evil and allows for less likelihood of infiltration from predators searching for food or control, which increases safety generally. It provides protection for the young and encourages harmony within which, despite occasional discord, remains prevalent.
It has been said that a union with Christ is the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation. Salvation is often imperative in a future life for every individual, but redemption is available to all just by being human, repenting, and accepting God. In a quest for the righteous road in life, we need to find common ground that encourages unity with others. People need to work together for a quotidian goal. This can reduce conflict or hostility between them as they all seek the same end. Congruity can solve any differences in life to establish a lasting unity that is hard to break.
Life without unity is hard as opposition is continually present. Ephesians 1:3-14 reminds us: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
The day’s unity could be considered as the essential encouragement of life. It resembles and generates a special togetherness with others, and/or a loving affiliation with God. There should be no division, nor hindrance in life’s necessities, or the desired patience, or acceptance of others applicable in life. These may include care, temperance, harmony, justice, love and consideration. Ephesians 4:1-6 reminds us: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Amen.
