The Divisive nature of man

The Grand Canyon might well best portray the division our country is currently experiencing, especially embroiled in this election cycle. Red vs Blue, Liberal vs Conservative, North vs South, Rich vs Poor are markers of this great divide. The question may be asked, “Is it even possible for one man or one party to unite us as a country?”. The church of Jesus should be different. Scripture teaches that the saints of God are to promote unity and like mindedness, motivated by love for each other and the Lord. Verses such as the following resonate with the believer. “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10. “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18. Divisions in the church result in the Gospel not being proclaimed in truth and in the power of the Spirit, consequently lives are destroyed in sin. Our goal, therefore, is to be “perfectly united in mind and thought”. When the Flag of the United States was lifted up over battlefields in places like the Baltimore Harbor, Mt. Suribachi, and the Forest of Ardennes, troops rallied behind the ideals of a common cause, stood firm against a mighty foe and sacrificed comfort for freedom. They were united in mind and spirit regardless of social position, country of origin or political persuasion. The soldier in the army of the Lord battles against a more formidable opponent. The best posture of defense is to remain ‘united’, locked together arm in arm, impenetrable, while advancing toward victory, with a unified purpose in mind. We must defeat the forces of darkness and the spiritual forces of wickedness together, united and committed. Divided we will fail. Freedom from the chains of unrighteousness is our clarion call to arms, our banner is the cross of Christ and our constitution the Bible. We may have varying opinions about what car we drive, the clothes we wear, the town we live in or the music we listen to, but our hearts are dedicated and loyal to the “word of the cross”, the Bible, the power of God. Our harmonious mind and thought focus on one objective, the making of disciples for the glory of the Lord. March forth to victory!