The power to divide

Filed under Soapbox on November 3, 2006
Keywords: christianity, politics

Since the last presidential election, “division” has been a common talking point in political rhetoric. I have heard, read and found myself involved in such discussions. The word is used in a derogatory manner, and invariably, the current administration is blamed for being the instigator.

I was raised to believe it took two to disagree, and because of my faith, I also realize that division is inevitable, and not necessarily wrong.

Do not think that I came to bring peace to the world. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come ’set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’, and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ - Matthew 10:34-36 (NKJ)

The above passage is Jesus’ acknowledgement that His ministry would cause division. What He had to say would divide people, angering and alienating those whose ideology and lifestyle contradicted the message He preached.

Now, I am not saying George W. Bush is Jesus, I am merely trying to illustrate a principle. That principle is, when you make a stand for something, you will cause a division. You force people to confront the ideals that you represent, and reveal either their indifference or their opposition. The alternative is to live in a morass of never-ending compromise where self-indulgence reigns. I prefer the former to the latter, and I tend to think that those who so vocally proclaim the evils of division are trying to avoid scrutiny.

For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. - John 3:20 (NKJ)

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