Unity vs Disunity

“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve.” (Luke 22:3 CSB)

Hollywood’s “spin doctors” have attempted to portray Judas as a victim, as a man who was himself betrayed and who was the real victim in the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. Such attempts are purely speculative in the extreme and wholly untrue. The Bible records the truth about Judas. He was money-oriented. Satan found an open door. Judas cooperated willingly and knowingly with the opponents of Jesus and betrayed Him. The twelve had enjoyed a strong unity previously, but he introduced the element of disunity among the disciples when he decided to go to the chief priests and Pharisees.

And oddly enough, from Judas’ negative example, we learn at least one positive lesson. We learn that when unity is solid, it is like armor plating. When disunity enters or is allowed to enter, it is like a corrosive acid, or like a cancer. The solidarity of unity produces synergistic strength, where we are stronger together beyond the sum of our parts than we would be alone. Disunity or divisiveness, on the other hand, weakens us and makes us vulnerable to the attacks of Satan.

So, how do we achieve and maintain unity? First, we make it our number one priority to follow Jesus over everything else. Second, we learn what the Bible teaches us about the will of God and give His will priority over our own or anyone else’s. Third, we live a life focused on humility before God rather than pride and ego, which are the real sources of disunity. Fourth, we ask God to help us have the spiritual perception to realize when Satan is trying to get his foot in the door and create disunity, so that we can take our stand together against him. Fifth, we rely on the Holy Spirit to fight this battle and help us overcome all disunity and develop unity as fully as possible.

Lord, Help us to recognize how important unity is to You and to us as Your people. Help us to live together as Your people in the full unity that pleases and honors You. Amen.