Division is Subtraction

Mark 3:24-25 “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

Today, one of our pastor’s points in his Sunday sermon on Christian conflict resolution, a statement was made that opposition and/or an opposing argument must be addressed. This exchange needs to be done in a calm and thoughtful manner, as the goal is reconciliation, If possible. There is room for pride or an offensive posture because the other person will throw up a wall of dense and nothing will be accomplished. The issue is not their way or our way, but God’s way. What does God want accomplished? Unity and multiplication. But, how quickly we can allow our mind, will and emotions escalate, cause division and collapse the house. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This side of eternity, we live in a fallen state of humanity where prideful sin is our first nature. The normal response is that whatever we do is right, because we did it. We tend not to measure and gauge our thoughts, words and actions against the teachings of our just and sovereign God and His holy Word.

Ephesians 5:2-5 “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

I remember an old saying, that when we experience someone who offends us or does an unjust deeds, we should really be coming to the realization that “There but by the grace of God go I.” In Romans 12:3 the Apostle Paul gives us instruction, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” To enter into foolish talk or make a joke about someone, we’ve lowered the faith that we profess to the level of ungodliness which is unfit for the people of God. That division leads to subtraction.

Romans 12:18 guides us, saying, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

This situation just happened last week and my knee-jerk reaction was disappointment and immediate rebuke. But, I took a step back to cool down my emotions and be able to discussion bother the issue at hand and the inappropriate response as a Christian. What would Jesus do? Non-doctrinal issues arise as people differ in the upbringing, their learning and understanding, and their experiences in life. All have sinned and nobody is perfect because we have the natural desire of the sinful flesh against us. People at least deserve the respect to be heard and acknowledged that they have a concern, even if the issue will not come to a common agreement or resolution. Let’s be the people that God wants us to be.

In Christ, Brian