Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour party, said yesterday at the Labour party conference that ‘winning the next election is more important than party unity.’ He was trying (I think) to shift attention away from squabbles within his party and focus attention on the bigger picture and more important goal, but I suspect he fails to understand the crucial role unity plays in bringing victory in any realm.
‘United we stand, divided we fall’ was a phrase used by Patrick Henry in a public speech in 1799. It expresses the Biblical emphasis on the critical importance of unity. Psalm 133 outlines the blessings of unity (something described as good and pleasant), and in John 17, we see Jesus praying for His followers to be one, to reflect the unity of the Godhead and thus be a witness to the world of what God is like.
For the Christian, unity and winning are not at opposite ends of the spectrum. They are in some respects identical, overlapping circles which mirror God’s heart. When we are united, we win. I’m not sure a fragmented, disunited political party can ever hope to win the election, but I do know a fragmented, divided church will never succeed. We are urged to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph 4:2). Unity is a precious gift from God and a sign that He is One, His love overcomes all divisions and that there is hope for a divided world.
