On April 14, 1831, in Manchester, England, the power of unity was demonstrated in an entirely unexpected fashion for all to see. The story begins with Her Majesty’s Army. A platoon of soldiers was out marching in the Manchester area. As they had done on many previous occasions, they crossed the River Irwin on the Broughten Suspension Bridge. As all soldiers are trained and drilled to do, they were marching in step. However, they were in such perfect sync that it created a scientific phenomenon. When the rhythm of the soldiers marching matched the vibrations in the bridge, the Broughten Suspension Bridge began to collapse. The bridge was only two years old when it met its premature demise. The bridge was rebuilt; however, when construction was completed, signs were posted all across the bridge stating, “All troops must break step when marching over this bridge.”
For many years, scientists, engineers and folklorists have studied this seemingly one-time event. It wasn’t until 1940 that scientists and engineers would believe it was the “unity theory” that brought down the Broughten Suspension Bridge. That year, in Tacoma, Washington, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, after being swayed by the wind, experienced the same destruction due to the perfect match between rhythm and vibrations. This, once again, demonstrated the power of unity.
All through history we have seen the power of unity; the power of many gathered around one common direction. Yet, so many times we take unity for granted. Instead of working together, we all run in different directions, lessening the potential kingdom impact we could make. I love two of the definitions given for unity in the dictionary:
1. The state or quality of being in accord; harmony.
2. The combination or arrangement of parts into a whole; unification.
As I look at the potential for our church, I am constantly reminded of God’s unlimited power and His incredible plan for redemption. His heart’s desire is that all would come to call Him Father. This work, He has entrusted to us. Yet, as we have grown, we seem to become less unified and more fragmented. I’m confident we are not alone in this problem, nor is it intentional. I hear story after story of other churches battling this same issue…asking the same questions…
“What happened? It was all working so well, and then it came to a crashing halt.”
“Do we need to revamp our core values?”
“Who led us off track?”
“How do we get back our momentum?”
“What is the solution?”
If you’re thinking that the answer to this problem is simply, “If only we were all just chasing the same compelling vision!’ or, “If we were just all on the same page….” you would be wrong. The answer is so much more than a mission statement, vision or strategic plan. While those are important and help keep us organizationally in step, they don’t help us achieve the God-sized results that we are capable of and accountable for. You see, unity begins with each and every one of us, as individuals. We could have the world’s coolest mission statement or the newest vision or strategic plan, but that alone will not create the “bridge destructing” power of unity that we are pursuing. All it takes is for one person to get out of step to destroy the harmony. Unity begins in our hearts and is an outpouring of our intimate understanding of God’s character and will.
Colossians 3:12-14 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
It is easy to lose sight of the power of being in step. Many times we don’t intentionally set out to go our own way. It gradually happens over time. However, as this year unfolds, we will be working hard to become more in step with one another. Personally, I want to be part of a movement. I want to be part of a God- sized church. I know that am truly at my best when serving with others to accomplish God’s incredible will. I can’t do this alone, nor would I want to limit God by thinking that I could. I would love to see this church lead the community to revival. But for us to truly unlock the power of unity and to see our potential achieved, it must start in our individual hearts. We personally must commit to be in step with God and to deny ourselves. Then and only then will we begin to see the power of unity. Once we get that down, well, the rest is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.
-Jason Cullum, Lead Pastor
Share This
Recent Comments