What is going on everyone!! So this week, I have just been thinking about how divided we are, especially amongst the faith community. It honestly discouraged me a lot because if we are going to reach people for Jesus, we need to be unified in our mind and hearts. We can’t expect anyone to want to follow Jesus when we bicker over the smallest things, and when we are so divided that we don’t even look any different from the world. We are called to stand apart and to be holy, not just using the title of “Christian” to force people to agree with our personal perspective and agenda.
Scripture challenges us to be on one accord in 1 Corinthians by saying, “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). We can only agree by starting at the base; that Jesus has saved us by grace through faith, and that we are all on the same playing field. I understand that we as people will not agree on everything, and that is not the expectation. The heart of God, however, is that we would look past our differences with one another, forgive each other, and honor each other with grace, love, and compassion.
We as Christians need to do better. We have the literal perfect example of what it means to be godly people. We have the Holy Spirit inside of us, leading, guiding, and helping us to grow closer to the heart of God. “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand” (Mark 3:25). This is as plain as it gets. We cannot expect a house to be fruitful or to be strong when it is divided. That is the whole goal of the enemy; to divide us. He knows that when we are united and on mission TOGETHER, there is nothing that can stop people from receiving Jesus, thus thwarting his plans.
My heart is that we would be more united, not just as Christians, but as a nation, and a people. We all share the deep rooted desires, and so we should treat others like we want to be treated out of that heartbeat. We can’t be so caught up in political party, views on issues, or what not. At the end of the day, we need to shine the light for people to see Jesus, and we can’t do that if we are so caught up in wanting people to agree with us. That is NOT the heart of God for us. His heart is for a united people; a people that cares for each other, and that reflect His love to everyone. United we stand, and divided we fall.
Much Love,
Ryan W.
