Where Great Minds Collide

I noticed this banner today and it got me pondering unity. A few years ago I realised that it’s possible to hold a view of unity that can cause problems. Big problems. Obviously endeavours are easier to organise, plan and execute if everyone involved has exactly the same perspective on everything that’s happening. However, in most cases these endeavours involve bringing together the minds and hearts of individuals with varying perspectives. Trying to bring conformity to these minds and hearts inevitably brings pain rather than anything of lasting significance.

So does that mean unity is impossible? Well, no, because unity is not about everyone doing/feeling/believing the same thing but bringing differences together to achieve an outcome.

I have worked with many people that function very differently to me, sometimes so differently that strong clashes have emerged...hmm...marriage is an obvious example! But I have seen that powerful, positive, life-changing endeavours have come about not through situations of perfect harmony but instead through disjointed, uncomfortable, awkward differences, finding a rhythm together and achieving something unimaginable. Unity is truly where great minds collide.

How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore. Psalm 133:1-3 NIV