There is a beautiful old hymn titled “Come All Christians, Be Committed.” A friend once jokingly asked if that meant committed to an asylum. Now I can’t help but think of that every time I sing or play it (sorry). The world may think we are crazy to focus on others so much of the time, instead of ourselves, but this really is the key to unity. As that hymn states, we need to be committed to service, and then we can “tune our hearts with one accord.”
What happens when we are not in harmony? Well, once during a church service, the organist and I started out playing the same song, but in different keys. It was not pretty. Keys are important. A few times, I have had to play a piece in a key different from what was written, as the piano or keyboard arrangement was just written in a different key than the other instruments. I can transpose simpler pieces while playing, if the keys aren’t too far off, but it really doesn’t work well when you just plain forget to transpose during the service. In understated terms, it exemplifies a lack of unity. In reality, it’s horrible.
What happens when the church is not in harmony? That can be horrible too. Churches split apart, relationships are broken, and worst of all, non-believers can be turned off even more from church and God and may never come to know Jesus as their Savior.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:16-18
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11