We’re all on the same team, and we’re all called to work together to create an atmosphere for people to experience God’s presence.
Psalm 133 provides one of the truest and wisest statements in the whole Bible about serving in ministry.
As verse 1 (NIV) states, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Yes, this could easily apply for people in any part of society; unity is certainly better than division. But in a book whose words contain so many instructions about praise and worship, it’s appropriate that the idea of unity is applied to whose creating environments of praise and worship in the first place.
Unfortunately, in many ministries there’s actually a spirit of division between teams. People easily form negative opinions of other departments based on a stereotype (or reality, in some cases). An “us vs. them” mentality forms. And instead of working together to create powerful environments, some teams can end up working against each other, fighting instead of collaborating.
Like Worship and Production.
Have you ever experienced that tension? Between the divas on stage and the eggheads in the booth? The free-flowing Creatives with no concept of structure and the hardliners who are too uptight to enjoy life?
But why does that even matter? If we’re good at what we do, who cares if there’s tension if we can make the service work?
Verse 2 (NIV) begins to explain why. When there’s unity, it’s like “precious oil” running down the beard and robes of Aaron.
In the Old Testament, oil was often used to signify many things.
For one, it signifies anointing and the presence of God. Kings and prophets were called to ministry and empowered with the presence of God when they were anointed with oil.
And in ministry, we need all of the anointing and presence we can get if we’re being asked to create impactful worship environments each weekend.
The power of God’s presence is what changes lives. Music and technology can’t make an impact by themselves.
The danger of living in an isolated, tension-filled, “us vs. them” world is that without the necessary unity for cultivating God’s presence, we are simply operating in our skills and abilities. I may be pushing buttons or playing an instrument, but it’s just noise and show. There’s nothing powerful and anointed that comes with it.
The power of God’s presence is what changes lives. Music and technology can’t make an impact by themselves. But when there’s division between those two critical teams, it will be nearly impossible for anyone at all to really experience God personally.
A house divided against itself can’t stand (Mark 3:25 NIV), but a cord strengthened with multiple strands unified and woven together can’t be broken (Eccl. 4:12 NIV).
Beyond anointing, oil also signified healing. In Psalm 23, David notes that the shepherd anointed his head with oil. In that context, sheep often were harassed by flies that would bite them and cause skin sores. Oil was a way of soothing those wounds and bringing healing to the discomfort.
So, if unity is like oil, then unity can also bring healing. And many of us serving in ministry probably need it!
Among worship and production teams, wounds can be numerous and extensive. Wounded pride from not being honored or recognized. Wounded self-esteem from being criticized instead of being praised.
Wounds from rejection, offense, and betrayal.
Ministry can truly be a painful place to serve.
But if we focus on our issues and let them continue to create division, we’ll not only never reach our full potential, but the things we touch will always have limited impact, as well.
I can’t ultimately have the impact God wants me to have if I’m overflowing with wounds and hurt instead of healing, grace, and joy.
As much as it may hurt to pursue unity, forgiveness, and reconciliation with those who have hurt us (especially if it’s someone we’re serving with in ministry), it’s ultimately an action of “choices lead, feelings follow” that opens the door for the oil of healing to be poured over our lives. It may seem hard or unfair, but it’s vital to our own health in ministry to pursue healing from those who have inflicted damage.
Serving in ministry is a lifestyle of “serving from the overflow”: we’re so full on the inside of God’s presence that we can’t help but display it to those all around us. I can’t ultimately have the impact God wants me to have if I’m overflowing with wounds and hurt instead of healing, grace, and joy.
Lastly, Biblical oil represents God’s blessing and favor, and Psalm 133:3 (NIV) even reinforces that idea, saying that an environment of unity is where the Lord “bestows his blessing.”
When I show that I put the team first, doors of favor will open. Opportunities will increase. Influence will grow.
I can’t expect to be blessed with favor, influence, and authority if I’m known more for creating division than unity. Am I someone known for being supportive and encouraging to others, or do I have a reputation for bringing criticism and negativity into my environments? Am I known as a problem-solver or a problem-pointer-outer? Am I known for doing everything I can to help the team, or as someone waiting to say “I told you so” when my advice isn’t heeded?
When I show that I put the team first, doors of favor will open. Opportunities will increase. Influence will grow. By breathing life into others, God will breathe into my life, allowing my untapped potential to blossom.
So on Sundays, the next time there’s tension between teams, remember the importance of working it out. We’re all on the same team, and we’re all called to work together to create an atmosphere for people to experience God’s presence.
Unity leads to anointing, blessing, favor, and healing. Without it, we’re like an engine running without oil, doomed to overheat and break down.
