As a pastor in the greatest nation ever, I've discovered the immense importance of unity, especially in the wake of recent political events like the presidential debate, Biden's Press Conference, President Trump's assassination attempt, and the Republican National Convention. In the words of Michael de Montaigne, "A soul without a well-established aim loses itself." This holds true for individuals, communities, and nations, and in the midst of these events, the need for a unifying aim becomes ever more apparent.

When we unite with a shared purpose guided by love and determination, we create a magnificent tapestry of unity. It's truly uplifting to see individuals making positive contributions, celebrating our similarities, and weaving a harmonious fabric that transcends our differences. This unity is the very essence of life – a diverse and interconnected tapestry that unites us locally and universally in our shared humanity. The recent political events serve as a powerful reminder of the beauty and necessity of such unity.

Aware of the challenges on the path to unity, I am reminded of the steadfast commitment required to shape our worldview and embody divine moral teachings, especially amidst political discord. Despite our best efforts, many who identify as God-fearing people need help finding common ground to avoid frustration and hate. As the saying goes, "Fall seven times, arise again" (Proverbs 24:16). Let us embrace our differences and strive for unity in faith, knowing that it paves the way for a brighter life in all dimensions of the human experience — intellectually, morally, aesthetically, and spiritually.

Neglecting unity can profoundly impact individuals and communities, from marriages and families to teams, businesses, churches, and even nations. When unity falters, spirituality, or the breath of God, begins to dim and fade, eventually leading to death. We must focus on meeting spiritual needs individually and collectively to address this. We do this by spiritually nurturing the soul with four critical human elements to keep the human experience healthy. They are — Uniqueness, Union, Usefulness, and Understanding. I call them “The 4 ‘U’s for the Spiritual You.” We need to know who we are and what we do, which are unique. All people must have a union with something greater than themselves. When someone feels useful and necessary, it lights up their soul, and finally, when people are understood based on their God-given design, life is fed, and it becomes what it was designed to be: United!

Embracing unity as the ultimate goal of our spiritual journey is not just crucial, but empowering in shaping a fulfilling reality. Let's come together and prioritize this pursuit, knowing that with our unwavering belief and collective effort, we can unleash the transformative power of unity; let's make unity our mission in every aspect of life.

With heartfelt love and compassion, 

Pastor Drake