The Weekly Encourager – October 21, 2020 – Division or Unity?

We’re living in one of the most divisive times in our nation’s history. Responding to the Covid-19 pandemic is the major issue of 2020. Some people are very cautious, while others are very confident, and there are many positions in between. Each side sees the other as foolish or selfish. Racial tensions have flared up for many months, and there are lots of different views on Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, and other movements. Everyone says they want liberty and justice for all, but few agree on how that should happen. Climate change is yet another hot button issue (no pun intended). Then there is the current contentious presidential election, with most folks squarely on one side or the other. Hardly anyone seems to be capable of working with both major political parties.

Adding to the division of opinion, we have social media algorithms which deliberately reinforce the views you already have, rather than providing new and different opinions as a balance. If you click on articles about hiking, social platforms will feed you ads for hiking boots and backpacks. If you favor Candidate A and his causes, you’ll see more posts favorable to him and what he represents. If you favor Candidate B and his positions on issues, you’ll see more posts which support him and his views. Media today is self-reinforcing.

For Christians, this is a Tailor-made time to be witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ. Whatever our personal views on these important issues, we are to be good ambassadors for the King of Kings, who rules over every nation and superintends every issue on the planet. As we discuss these matters with believers and nonbelievers, we are to show forth the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5. Traits such as love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, meekness, self-control, and faith will characterize true disciples of Christ. Of course we’re all sinners who fail from time to time, but a Christian will recognize his error and seek forgiveness. But if we find ourselves often getting overly worked up, angry, and yelling at people who disagree, something’s not right. If we find ourselves often getting too depressed to interact regularly with others, maybe even avoiding church services, something's not right.

For example, where do you fall on the Covid continuum? If you tend to be worried and anxious about getting the virus, this is your opportunity to lean in to God and ask for more faith. You may need to trust God more. If you tend to be critical of lockdowns and masks, this is your opportunity to learn patience. You may need be more considerate of the weaker brother. In both cases, we all need to recognize that we’re not in control of the situation. God is calling us to give up our desire to be in charge of our lives and to submit to God’s perfect plan and timing. This is Adam and Eve stuff, folks. Satan is on the loose. Will we trust God or not?

Contention is characteristic of our time, but Christians are to be radically different from the world around us. Nowhere is this more important than in the church. Our love for one another is supposed to shine forth as a testimony to the love of God. Despite diverse views on issues, are we showing unity in Christ? We don’t show unity by criticizing each other, dismissing each other, mocking each other, or avoiding fellowship with each other. We don’t show love by speaking disparagingly of opposite viewpoints, calling names, stealing signs, or posting inappropriate memes. Be very careful with social media. How we present ourselves in public becomes part of our gospel witness. The world is watching! Take care to represent Christ well.

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” - Philippians 2:1-4 NIV

Christ calls us to consider the other person as more important than ourselves. We do this by acknowledging their dignity as fellow creatures and treating them with respect, especially when we disagree. Love your enemies! Kindness, humility, and patience must be our guides. Any time our argument gets out of control, we are presenting an offering to Satan. But when we reign in our desire to rule and choose love instead, we lay a sweet offering on the holy altar of Christ.

“Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God’s best blessings. Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives.” - Hebrews 12:15 TLB

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” - Romans 12:18 ESV

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” - Psalm 19:14 NASB

God is faithful,
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