Political turmoil, socio-cultural division, racial tensions, agitation in the press, mob violence, enemies that seek our downfall. Is it any wonder that our nation is divided?

During the dark days of the late 1930’s leading up to World War II, Winston Churchill sent a letter to a political rival. Part of it read: “We are so few, enemies so many, the cause so great, that we cannot afford to weaken each other in any way.” (The Gathering Storm, 331).

Churchill’s words ring so true for God’s people. In many ways we are fewer in number when compared to the false religions and practical atheism in the world. We are beset by many enemies who are the devil’s servants. But our cause is great, in fact, it is the greatest because it is about Christ and the salvation of the world through Him! For all these reasons we must not weaken each other, but instead draw closer together and build one another up in Christ.

In the shadow of the cross, Jesus prayed that His followers be united - John 13:1, 3. Jesus said, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that the world may believe that you sent Me” – John 17:20-21.

Faction and friction are not new in the family of God. It was a threat in the first century too. Note what Paul wrote to the brethren meeting in Philippi: “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.” - Philippians 2:1-11. A humble attitude and following the example of Christ is just what is needed in these divided times.

Bruce