A House Divided

by Brandy Webb

I don’t normally like to talk about current events in my blogs because the world is a very frustrating place, and I don’t like to give the craziness any more publicity than it already receives; however, sometimes the chaos is hard to ignore. We have seen some bad instances this past week because of hatred. Unfortunately, rioting and violent protests have almost become the norm over the past ten or so years, and the truth is, there is a lot of hatred on both sides.

It appears that what keeps happening is hatred brewing more hatred, violence begetting more violence, shouting becomes louder shouting, and no one is able to gain any type of wisdom amidst all the polarizing chaos. Even our government can’t agree on anything anymore if the suggestion is from outside of their political party. Thus, the world seems to be constantly moving into a negative direction. Don’t worry, I understand that without God this is supposed to happen, and that no one is probably surprised that the world is so divided. 

I also know that it isn’t my job to change the world that belongs to God, and I would not want the job anyway. However, it is our job as Christians to learn from the mistakes of others, so that we do not repeat them. We can see that nothing gets accomplished when no one wants to listen. Positive outcomes do not occur when arguments and chaos rule, and a house divided cannot stand (Mark 3:25). So, how is the health of God’s house? Are we just as guilty of being polarized in God’s house? 

It wouldn’t be anything new. Paul faced the same dilemma. There were those who said that they were of Apollo and some of Paul (1 Corinthians 3:4). Paul points out that we are not followers of mere men, but of God; we all are God’s workers, God’s field, and God’s building/house (1 Corinthians 3:5-9). Where we worship isn’t who we are. We are all supposed to be children of God. There is no reason for personal agendas and different church organizations to get in the way of the gospel of Christ. It does not matter where you go or where “so and so” goes to church. What matters is that we are walking in Truth and Love. We can’t walk in Truth and Love if we are always trying to get our opinions heard.

Now, please do not think I am advocating a mega church here because I am not. I like the diversities of the smaller churches. I like that people are being able to serve more because we have so many organizations. However, what I am saying is that just because we go to a different organization does not mean we need to act as if we are divided. It does not give us justification for strife and contentions between members of other organizations. It also does not mean that one organization is better than any other organization because, last check, all organizations are run by men and men are far from perfect. We have an opportunity to show the world that it is possible to get along with different types of people. It is possible to show love even if you don’t agree on everything. It is possible to act respectfully and kind with someone that is from some other organization, etc., because nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26), and God’s Spirit dwells in His house.

Satan wants God’s house to become divided. Let us strive to not let that happen. We are the light of the world; let us walk in that light. If we don’t, we allow darkness to win. We do not have to agree with each other on everything, but we do have to behave like God tells us to: “be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20). We must show the world by our example how we are supposed to live a life of love; by our actions, by our words, and by not getting involved in the chaos. Only the house that is unified on the foundation of Jesus Christ can withstand the test of time.