Disagreement does not = Division

Happy Valentine’s Day to any and all. A day set aside to celebrate loving relationships. Perhaps we need more than one day — perhaps every day should reflect that spirit.

It has been a busy several weeks/months for all of us. Foundations feel like they are shaking. Fractures are appearing across societal fronts — and those fractures have impacted the Church as well. From Olympic controversies to Super Bowl halftime debates, political noise, competing news networks, and ongoing angst for Housewives from NJ, Salt Lake City, Rhode Island, Dubai !  There is a steady tremor that threatens our ability to thrive together — or even live together.

Here is an impossibility:

“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” — Mark 3:25

If a team, a family, a friendship, a country, or the Church becomes divided, it cannot stand. We are living in a moment where “we/them,” “right/wrong,” “left/right,” “East/West,” “rich/poor” dividing walls are rising quickly — and we feel pressured to choose sides.

What has happened?

Just as we understand Mark 3:25, so does our enemy.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” — Ephesians 6:11

The strategy is not subtle. Divide. Then conquer.

I did some research into how lions attack their prey.

Lions rarely charge into the center of a tightly packed herd. Instead, they:
• Create panic, make noise
• Cause disruption.
• Force the herd to scatter.
• Attack the isolated.

A unified herd is intimidating.
A divided herd is vulnerable.

Predators do not fear the herd.
They fear unity.

We are at risk when we run to opposite corners of a boxing ring  instead of conversing around a table.  We are being outsmarted when we allow disagreement to become division. Differing ideas and convictions are not the problem — fractured relationships are.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. — Ecclesiastes 4:12

We need each other. There is strength in unity.

The Bible teaches that all of us who believe are part of the Body of Christ — one body.

“Is Christ divided?” — 1 Corinthians 1:13

When we fracture the body, we distort the picture of Christ to the watching world. We make Him unattractive, like the world.

Disagreement does not equal division.

Barnabas and Paul had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company (Acts 15:39–40).

Yet they remained on mission. The gospel multiplied. The Church expanded. Their disagreement did not destroy their calling. They remained united in love — eyes on the prize.

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love…” — Colossians 2:2

Unity does not require uniformity.
It requires humility.

What must we do to keep the house standing?

• Refuse to believe that disagreement equals division.
• Stop interpreting disagreement as personal offense.
• Stop gossiping about or judging those who see differently.
• Remember we are in a war together — not against one another.
• Apply grace to everyone.
• Love as Christ loves.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” — Ephesians 6:12

“They will know we are Christians by our love.”

Divine Unity

God exists as three persons in one — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — united in perfect, uncompromising love. Unity is all powerdul! Unity reflects the very nature of God.

Lord, help us be like You.

Forgiving.
Fighting alongside you.
United in Love.

— TG