Value: Unity 

Definition: Oneness; harmony; continuity without contention; brotherhood 

Vital Verses

• “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
• “And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.” – Mosiah 18:21

Scriptural Example 

When we think of unity, we often think of everyone having the same job or acting in the same manner. But, in 1 Corinthians 12, Apostle Paul explains to the people of Corinth that unity doesn’t have to be thought of as “sameness or being identical,” but rather all working together for the same purpose.

He explained to the people that they all made up the body of the Church (the body of Christ). It didn’t matter if they were Jew or Gentile, prisoner or not — each person was a child of God and if they all joined together to spread His gospel, they would be unified.

Read the entire chapter to learn how Paul compares the Church itself to a natural body and how each of us represents a different part. (I call ear!) 

Life Application 

Have you ever heard the phrase, “We’re on the same page”? It’s a common catchphrase used among teammates, coworkers, and even in relationships. The sentiment is simple: Let’s be united in our decision and work towards our goal together. Sure, Joe might think his plan is the right one. And Jane? Yep, her plan might in fact be even better. But, if Joe and Jane don’t come to an agreement and move forward together, total chaos and a lot of headaches will ensue.

Let’s face it: staying unified is tough. We all have our own opinions and our thoughts about how we should go about things, whether it’s in our branches or missions, our families, or our own life’s path. But the important thing to remember is that in order to make any forward progress, we must stick together.

God didn’t lay out a plan for us to be willy-nilly and haphazard about it. He gave us clear instructions to follow and reminded us not to deviate from the path. He knew, in His infinite wisdom, that if we all went along in our own way, we’d never make it to the finish line. Instead, He boiled it down to two small words: “Follow me.”

Staying unified — and keeping our hearts and minds focused on that key message — is of utmost importance to Him. He even warns us in Romans to stay away from those who cause divisions and go against His idea of unity: “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17-18).

Be unified with God and His teachings. Be unified with your brothers and sisters. Be unified in your families. Remember we’re all on the same team, working together for good and His purpose. 

Points to Ponder

• Are you working towards unity in your life, or are you still hanging onto the idea that your idea is best?
• What is the hardest part of staying unified with God? With the saints in your branch or mission? With your family?
• Do you find yourself compromising to keep the peace or compromising because you know it’s for the greater good?

Miracle Monday Themes Are Back!

In the coming year, we are bringing back monthly themes for Miracle Monday. We hope that these topics will encourage you to share the wonderful things that God has done in various areas of your life so that we can praise Him with you.

For the coming month of February, we want to hear stories and experiences of how God directed your path to your spouse. It is the month of love, after all. No story is too short or unimportant! Click here to submit your story for publication!

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.