Everyone is different… different backgrounds, different upbringings, different beliefs. And along with all those differences, everyone also carries different pasts and different places from which they’ve come. We all have different states of mind and points of view.

It’s really a beautiful thing. But those differences can also be a source 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 and allow them to live and work within those gifts. Unity, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is a condition of harmony and is the only way we, with all of our differences, can come together to accomplish anything.

But, 3 things kill unity and may actually be sabotaging your relationships. What I don’t want you to do is 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 really want you to find the maturity to examine your life and your relationships, to see if any of these 3 things is present.

1. Jealousy: Unity and jealousy simply cannot co-exist. It is absolutely impossible to have unity in an organization where jealousy is present. This includes jealousy of other’s gifts, recognition, position, money, spouse or happiness. If jealousy is present unity cannot exist, because jealousy causes division.
2. Judgment: Judgment kills unity faster than you can blink an eye. Judgment belittles someone else’s gifts, position or success. Nonacceptance of certain people, which happens as a result of judgment, causes division and 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.

All 3 of these things KILL unity. They 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 the best they can be. 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 covering people’s backs 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 the other person 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 you do.

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, in your office, in your church, in your client base, in 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. Because we all need each other. And we can all learn from each other! We can learn to work together in unity, instead of division.

Unity is not 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 goes for your home, your workplace and your community. Where there is unity, there is harmony and teamwork. Where there is unity, your influence explodes and your 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 you know 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 today. Do you agree? Disagree? Please share your comments with me below!

And, be sure to tune in for The Dani Johnson Show today for more wisdom, tips and strategies to improve your life. You can find the show on your TV and radio and please remember you can always stream today’s show right here on our website.

In great faith,

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