A well advertised Insurance Company’s tag line is, “We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two.”

There is more, much more to this seemingly innocuous statement. It embodies great wisdom, leading to the phrase, “Those who don’t learn from mistakes of the past are destined to repeat them.”

Insanity is doing the same dumb thing and expecting a different result. Why don’t we learn from the mistakes we’ve made, from the mistakes of others, the mistakes of nations?

Does self interest blind our thoughts to what may not be a good decision? Ask Japan!

A lack of understanding has caused one repeated mistake to stand out as ‘the greatest lesson of all time’ – “United we stand, divided we fall.”

Nations have crumbled, giant businesses toppled, marriages and relationships destroyed for lack of oneness among the ranks.

Disagreement does not mean disunity. In a better time, Congress vehemently disagreed but effectively ran government.

There is little accomplished without unity, as evidenced by our ‘United’ States accomplishing much when unified (World War Two), and little when divided (Viet Nam).

Even the Bible teaches unparalleled strength in unity, absolute destruction in division, begging the question “who divides and who unites?”

There is a father to both – who has our ear?

Catastrophe seems, albeit temporary, to join us in common cause. The days and weeks following 9/11, unparalleled unity brought us together as a country, churches were full, enemies became friends, political parties united.

If once, the masses would hold to the power of unified effort AFTER the war or catastrophic event… can you imagine what we, the people, could accomplish?

It seems our short memory and ultimate downfall is due in part to prurient ‘self interest,’ most often at the expense of others.

When we, as a people, learn this valuable lesson perhaps there is a brighter future.

One of God’s greatest gifts (to me) was sitting at the feet of a 100 year old Englishman, Arthur Burt.

I plucked his mind for the wisdom he possessed – He knew a thing or two because he had seen a thing or two.

His consistent message for the 20 years I knew him – UNITY!

Unity is a group effort, and often takes work from all involved. One mind, one accord – one for all, all for one.

Hitler unified Germany, but lust for power pitted him against the world. The virtual ineffectiveness of today’s Washington is entirely based on division.

Politicians unify a party of beliefs at the expense of others – there is little sensitivity across the aisle.

My way or the highway says “no discussion;” I’ve decided and you lose.

Is there a point of no return?

Only when communication stops, or deception is in play. Japan feigned friendship with trade discussions in DC, while Japanese ships sailed toward Pearl Harbor.

What prevents unity?

Deception and self interest.

What promotes unity?

Empathy and understanding to the fullest extent possible.

Even in serious disagreement, we can stay in unity when all parties are given a voice.

If “Reliable communication PERMITS progress” – Proverbs 13:17, what does unreliable (untruths) or ‘no communication’ do?

 

~ Clay Sikes

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Clay Sikes ~ Lighthouse Prophecy.

 

 

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