The Price of Division and Reward of Unity

​I have been hearing over the past several months that the United States of America is a divided county.  I have been pondering this and generally thinking about division.

As is my normal course of action, I looked up the definition of division.  The most common definitions of division are:   (1) the action of separating something into parts, or the process of being separated; (2) disagreement between two or more groups, typically producing tension or hostility.  Then I started thinking about why divisions occur.  There are no easy answers for why divisions occur.  They happen for a whole host of reasons, some that seem to be reasonable and some that simply defy comprehension.  Whatever the reason for the division, there is a price that is paid.

The Bible has several scriptures that speak against division.

Romans 16:17 – Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them

Luke 11:17 – But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

Mark 3:24-25 – And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

I Corinthians 1:10  - Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
God is clear that He wants His children to live in unity, and encourages this behavior:

Psalms 133:1 - Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity?

Ephesians 4:3 - Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Amos 3:3  – Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Philippians 2:1-2  – If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Ecclesiastes 4:10  – For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

I am particularly moved by Ecclesiastes 4:10  and the reminder that if you fall and are alone, there is no one to help you up, but if you fall around others, you should expect and believe someone would help.

God admonishes His children to, if at all possible, live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).  Christians are Ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20), and as such, should speak to and encourage unity.  It is in times of division, that Christians have an opportunity to let their light shine and be a walking, living, breathing example of Christ.  Take every opportunity to speak in ways that unite and in so doing, bring Glory to God.


Glory To God for All That He Has Done

Blessings – Janice