Articles
Divisiveness
Want to change this country and solve its problems? Most of us would love to, but we seem so divided these days, in various ways. Racism still exists in the hearts of some people, and certainly it's divisive. Political beliefs probably divide more, at least in my opinion. Nations oppose nations, and on it goes. The problems and issues that cause these divisions are hard to take on. What could possibly bridge the gap, and bring people together? Is it even possible?
Scripture says there is a way, and even describes it happening. What is it? Simply put, it's the Gospel of Christ!
If that Gospel message, the message of the saving grace of Jesus and Him adding us to His family could unite Jews and Samaritans back in the 1st century, it can fix divides between nations and races today as well. Not just enemies, but bitter enemies, hating each other in various ways were brought together.
Christ is the "Prince of Peace". He can remove what divides people and bring them together, making them "one in Christ Jesus" (Rom 12:5, 1 Cor 12:12, Gal 3:28). "There is ONE body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Eph 5:4-6) When we became a part of that one body, we join others who have done the same. We willing remove what has previously separated us.
I'm no shepherd, never walked with sheep, but I'm told they are chaotic and self interested until the shepherd steps into the pen, then every sheep's eyes are on him and they follow him, they all have a common focus. Maybe that's poorly stated but you understand when our eyes are on Jesus, we don't pursue the petty divisive things in our world and let self interest rule our hearts. "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy." Col 1:18
When we put God's plan for us into action, the lives of people change, peace happens. Read all the books you want, there has never been a book written as effective as this simple principle found in the Word of God. An observation of people in our world will confirm that if Jesus isn't in the equation, peace doesn't happen.
In the 2nd Chapter of Acts, several nations were assembled as Peter called the sinners who had put Jesus to death to repentance, their sin and their actions convicting them. As they accepted the message and were baptized, Christ added them to the one church. People who formerly were enemies were now united in a new family, the old life gone, and a new life ahead of them. They shared all things, and lived in peace loving each other. (Acts 2:14-47)
Wouldn't it be something, if the leaders in our world would look at history and learn from it?
