Communication & Culture
VickieHodgesSharingLife@gmail.com
Unity Vs. Uniformity
There is a difference between unity and uniformity. A sincere and true spiritual unity comes from within and is a matter of the heart. Uniformity derives from the pressures of outside sources and is one of the highest forms of selfishness which stems from pride. What does our communication style promote…unity or uniformity?
Unity is a positive cohesiveness that bonds relationships (families, churches, businesses, etc.) together for the betterment of the whole unit. When disagreements arise, they are settled with love, care, and concern with everyone involved taken into consideration. In unity, disagreements are easily solved when our hearts are right with Christ and with one another.
Uniformity tends to have a negative disconnect that divides relationships and has no consideration for the betterment of the units as a whole. Disagreements are solved by rules and threats and settled with rivalry and division. Care, concern, and well-being of others has no consideration with the person who uses a uniform communication style. Philippians 2:3 reads “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better (more important) than themselves.”
So as not to be misunderstood…the unity communication style does not mean or suggest that we are at the beck and call of everybody or that we are a “doormat” for everybody to use. We do not try to maintain unity by “giving in” to other people’s whims and wishes. We do know that we are “ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor. 4:5).
When disagreements arise, what type of communication style will be revealed in us…a communication style of unity or uniformity? We must work toward unity and love, not division and rivalry. It is never “my way or the highway,” but it is always God’s way which is unity for the betterment of His creation as a whole.
Stand strong in unity!
Vickie Hodges is a licensed minister with UPCI and is the author/founder of LIFE
(Living In Freedom EVERYDAY) Recovery for Damaged Emotions and Unhealed Memories Recovery Series. She is a conference and seminar speaker.
Ministry leadership covering is: Mark Hughes and Dr. James Hughes of Greater Life Church in Webster, Texas. VickieHodgesSharingLife@gmail.com. 218/433-4976.