WEDNESDAY WEEKLY WORD...united we stand

"United we stand, divided we fall". - Benjamin Franklin

Even our forefathers knew the importance of standing united together. It is something that for centuries we have been fighting for in our country. Not just at the front lines of war, but in our state and local legislative offices as well.

We, as Americans, get frustrated when it seems those we elect in public office do not see eye to eye but yet in our own lives, we are the same.

In last weeks YOUR OPINION MATTERS POLL, I polled the readers the following question: " Is there someone in your life that you wish you were unified with?" The top 3 answers were...

1. 50% of those responding said they wish there were more unified with their parents!

2. 30% voted and said they wish they were more unified with their children!

3. Another 30% replied and said God!

This weeks poll suggests to me that we have division within our own family relationships. Unity - what does it mean anyway? One definition that I found for "being united" was being in harmony! This is certainly a tall order for sinful people such as us, but not impossible.

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23

It is because of God's grace that we are able to be united not just with Him but with others as well. One of the most impressive things about the Bible is the way everything is linked together, there is consistency throughout all of the pages. Even though it was written over a span of 1600 years by more than 40 writers, God was the One Who authored it with one united voice. Not just then, but even today He speaks through His Inspired Word directly to us.

Unity. Togetherness. Oneness.

These are the unshakable hallmarks of our living God. From the very beginning of time, we see His unity at work through the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). God the Father is there, creating the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1) and the Spirit is moving over the surface of the waters (Genesis 1:2). The Son, Who is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature (Hebrews 1:3) joins in speaking the world into existence.

Unity. Togetherness. Oneness.

The unity of the Trinity reaches back all thru history and continues into the future. The power of His Oneness is unbreakable and unending. This kind of unity is also possible and needed in our homes, at work,  in our recreational activities and most definitely in the political realm. Even though our minds run a million miles apart, and our day to day activities put a time restriction on us, our hearts can be in one accord.

John 17:11 "Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are."

When we seek to be united with Him, He will give us the ability to be unified with others. It is not the heart of God for His people to be divided. United we must stand!!