The Great Divide!
Sunday’s Monday
The Great Divide!
I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase together we stand, divided we fall. Well guess what, today we are a divided people. We are divided by politics, we are spiritually divided by denominational titles, we are divided by ideology, we are divided by sexual orientation; the list is endless and to make matters even worse we now have learned to subdivide our differences into, race (covering all people), economic variances (wealthy, middle and poverty), social status (important, popular, not so much) and this also is an endless list. But the worst is, we are divided within ourselves! We’re constantly battling good versus evil, success over failure, integrity opposing hypocrisy, and this is merely a snippet of our daily conflicts. Life on planet earth is filled with choices to build or destroy inner division! James 1:8 (NSV), Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
I believe all this division comes from a lack of peace in one’s own personal belief system, especially here in the USA. Most are not sure who they are, what is best for them nor why they are where they are in this life. Sadly, many do not care enough to even seek to find answers to these questions! I believe the greatest common bond within us all is, we want what we want, and we want it now! Ergo becoming nation dependent on self and world. This is where the term luck was phrased. Many have little understanding of Paul the Apostle’s writings in Titus 3:2-3 (ESV), 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. We’ve all been there, done that!
This country has become so full of itself that we the people independently can make an issue out of anything. Far too many people seem to thrive within their life of malice, ill will and anger to the point others refer it as some people just can’t be happy unless they’re miserable. These live with a locked mine which can’t be penetrated or changed until they choose to open it. God instructs his follower’s in Paul’s writing of Titus 3:9 (ESV), 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Life is too short to constantly live on the defensive arguing with everyone about everything!
There was a time in the United States when its people depended on God, family and neighbor. Amazingly the country flourished during that time, when its people had a commitment (too help others), respect (for all people) and integrity (self-respect) combined with a loyalty to God. I agree, there has always been a struggle to conquer the usual demons (sexual, thievery, murder, etc.) within this land but it seems the struggle to defeat the purposelessness (no future, no dreams, no hope, etc.) which fills an astounding number of Americans is at the forefront of the battle. Today the world grows stronger as its inhabitants lose the freedom which allows the right to desire peace, hope, and love. However, this doesn’t have to be! Again within Paul’s writing we find, Titus 3:4-6 (ESV), 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. We can be saved inspite of our foolishness!
I am aware that there are those who think nothing can be changed and they are partially right. Nothing will ever change for you, until you change your thinking! You can’t expect to do the same old things, the same old way and get anything other than the same old results. God has freed us from that type of thinking in Titus 3:7 (ESV), so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Correct purpose and direction only come from God! We only need to accept it!
My prayer this week is from Paul’s writing, it’s short but very pointed; Titus 3:8 (ESV), The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. And Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace, Ephesians 4:3 (NLT). Amen
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
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