I’ve been thinking about division and unity as I have been reading through Genesis. Sometimes in the church we hear people talk about unity and how important it is. I don’t disagree…..but there’s an extra add on when it comes to unity.

It’s not just that it exists but what we do when it exists that matters most.

In Genesis 11 we come across a scene where there was a unity of the people

Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there Genesis 11:1-2 (NIV)

However this unity did not lead to someone fruitful or healthy, in fact it was completely the opposite. Here is what they said to one another.

….“Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4 (NIV)

If you’ve read the story you know that God frustrates their plans, scatters them, and confuses their language. Ultimately God creates disunity amongst them because their unity led to rebellion.

Then years and years later we find ourselves in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit has come down and touched all believers. Once again we see unity amongst the believers

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Acts 2:4-6 (NIV)

It looks different than Genesis 11 but once again they were in one place and they understood one another. But what would they do with their unity this time? Well out of the commotion that this caused, Peter stands up and proclaims the gospel to them, it seemed to work well.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41 (NIV)

And they followed up afterwards

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

In Babel the people were together and able to communicate. They were united, but they used this advantage to plot against God so He scatters them.

In Jerusalem the people were all together and those watching heard them in their own languages. They were untied, but this time they used this advantage to spread the word of God.

Let’s make sure our unity doesn’t build our power but only seeks to honour God.