Commonality

Competitors know what it is like to prepare to defeat a common opponent. There must be unity, or the opponent will cause havoc and win the day.

“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” -- 1 Peter 5:8 (CSB).

There are several words in the Bible used to describe the devil. One of those words is diabolos.

Diabolos has two roots: dia, which means “through” or “apart,” and ballo, which means “to throw.” So, more literally, diabolos means “to throw apart”; to scatter.

The reference to the devil as a roaring lion makes perfect sense. The goals of a hungry lion and a herd of prey are diametrically opposed. 

The lion seeks to throw itself through the herd to create mass chaos and confusion. When the herd scatters, individuals become exposed making them easy targets to bring down. 

The herd desires to stay together in order to enlarge their combined perceptive range by getting more eyes looking for predators lurking in the shadows. When the lion attacks, the closest members of the herd are immediately aware and respond in unison, darting away from the lion, which sends information across the herd with lightning speed. The members furthest away from the attack immediately know what is happening since they are part of a unified, collective organization. They synchronize their escape based on the movements of their closest seven neighbors. Their combined response results in the lion being unable to clearly target one member of the herd, making it extremely difficult to capture its prey.

Unity equals survival. 

It is easy for our lives to become scattered. We forget that there is a common enemy, and we take on life as individuals instead of being part of a team of believers. Unity was so important to Jesus that it is one of the main requests he makes to the Father on behalf of his followers during one of his final prayers recorded in John 17 before he was betrayed, arrested, and crucified. 

Reflection:

Is there any area of your life that is marked by chaos or confusion? Be aware. Be united. 

Verses: 

• John 17:21-23
• 1 Peter 5:8