Christians Should be Uniters; Not Dividers

The world has lost its mind, but that does not mean the Church should follow suit.  2020 was like a rerun of the early 1960's with racial tension, political aggression, and much social unrest. Add to that COVID-19, differences of opinion regarding a vaccine, and a presidential election; and you have a powder keg just waiting to blow. So, is there any hope for our seemingly broken, polarized and fractured nation? Let me answer it with an illustration.

Have you ever been in an auto accident?  I have. I was hit in the backend, while sitting still at a traffic light. You could look through my trunk and see my dashboard. Long story made short, I thought my Toyota was totaled! The insurance adjuster thought otherwise. The body shop tech (my brother-in-law at Pro-Quality Collision) said, "I can fix it." He is great at what he does, but I had some doubts. A couple of weeks later, I picked-up my car and it looked brand new. The insurance adjuster and the technician could look beyond the damage and see what was required to fix my car. In comparison, God can not only "fix" our broken nation and world; but HE said, "Behold, I make all things new."

In Ephesians 2:11-18, the Apostle Paul was addressing division in the Church at Ephesus. The Jewish converts believed circumcision was required for salvation and the Gentiles objected. The issue was settled by the Jerusalem Council in AD 49 and should have removed the division, but Paul still had to address it in the Book of Ephesians, written in AD 64. It was 15 years later and they were still divided and arguing. Finally, Paul states in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works.  He states that God has reconciled all people to himself, into ONE body, through the cross! That statement should end all division in the Church; but sadly, Christians still struggle with it today.

Let's consider a few types of divisions that harm the Church (and families)...

- Preferential divisions

• Cars - Ford or Chevy
• Sandwiches - cut horizontal or diagonal
• Peanut Butter - creamy or crunchy
• Toilet Paper - over or under
• Pizza - thin crust or thick
• And don't forget sports teams!

Preferences should never be allowed to divide a church, a family, or be used to draw lines in the sand.

- Political divisions

• Republicans vs. Democrats
• Conservatives vs. Liberals
• Capitalists vs. Socialists 

One of the most faithful men I know served as the Sheriff in Darlington County, SC for 24 years. He ran on a Democratic ticket (I'm a registered Republican), but we had a mutual love and respect for each other. In fact, I was honored to serve as his Pastor for 14 years and we still remain dear friends today. Another friend of mine is a Democratic State Senator in SC. We disagree on politics, but we both love Jesus, we love each other (and that man can preach)! I have a long list of people that have different views than me regarding politics; BUT most on that list love Jesus, so that means we love and respect each other. 

Rather than focusing on our differences, we choose to focus on the mission that unites us! Christ-followers should put our trust in God, We should never let the kingdoms or earth divide the citizens of heaven!

- Theological divisions

• Baptists - Independent, Southern, Cooperative, American, General...
• Baptism - Immersion, Sprinkling, Pouring...
• Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian & more.
• The list of differences goes on -- Worship Styles, Bible versions, and more.

Bottom-line -- As long as we agree on the "7 Fundamentals of the Faith," nothing else is really significant. Far too often, Christians focus on what divides us, rather than on the mission that unites us. 

Allow me to make a few key points for your consideration on the topic of unity:

1.  Unity is powerful! 

• 1 drop of water can't do much; but put those drops together and they form a river than can carve through the rocks.
• 1 termite can't do much; but a colony of termites can take down a house.
• 1 person can't move a large fallen tree; but many people can push that tree with ease.
• 1 person can make a difference; but a united Church can impact the world for eternity!

2.  Unity is NOT uniformity!

• Bodies have many different parts; but joined together, they form & function as a whole.
• Brides & bridegrooms are very different, but you can't have one without the other and together they form a marriage.
• Families have a moms, dads, kids, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, etc. They are all very different, but together they make-up a family.

3.  Unity is NOT optional!

• An organization that does not work together will become defunct.
• A dismembered body cannot function.
• The Body of Christ must be unified.
• A Church that is divided is a terrible representation of Christ to this world.
• 2 Cor. 5:20 - ...we are ambassadors (representatives) for Christ... imploring people to be reconciled to God.

So, what am I telling the world about my God, by the way I respond to politics, racism, violence, hunger, refugees, etc.?  We must be united in our mission, rather than divided over our differences!

God, help me to see people as you see them and to love them as you love them -- UNCONDITIONALLY!