{"id":611,"date":"2020-06-30T09:48:45","date_gmt":"2020-06-30T14:48:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/?p=611"},"modified":"2022-12-19T13:25:07","modified_gmt":"2022-12-19T19:25:07","slug":"in-a-broken-world-is-division-the-only-way-forward","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/in-a-broken-world-is-division-the-only-way-forward\/","title":{"rendered":"In a broken world is division the only way forward?"},"content":{"rendered":"

We don\u2019t need to look far and wide to see division in our world today. Across the world, reaching into seemingly every corner of culture, you can find dissention and fracture. Political debates rage over who\u2019s right and who\u2019s wrong, with each party believing that they have the solution to society\u2019s problems. Debates over masks pit individual’s rights against social responsibility. There are cultural debates over refugees, race, and how to handle impoverished communities. Theological debates over denomination, sexuality, worship styles, and the rapture. There are divisions in countries, communities, churches, friendships, and even families. The media highlights it, and the amount of anger in our Facebook feeds only validates it. We live in a divisive world. Is it bound to be that way? Should we give up or speak out? Are some things worth breaking relationship over? Is division the only way forward?<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding the root<\/h4>\n

I believe at the core of division is the sinful desire for control, power, praise, and security. We\u2019ve got division because we are sinful people with ordinary problems (that sometimes seem extraordinary) trying to live in a broken and confusing world. As human beings, our temptation toward anger and fear is real. So, we become entrenched on issues. We see \u201cthe other\u201d as the problem. We judge the other side as ignorant, careless, or radical. Our sin drives our anger, which often leads to division. <\/span>[1]<\/span><\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be honest, some of the things we argue about are super complex, and there are always two sides to every situation. The way forward is not easy or even clear in some cases, but I believe through the power of Jesus, Christians are called to be unifiers not dividers. In saying so, here are three reflections to consider.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3 Reflections to Consider<\/h4>\n
    \n
  1. Strife will rob you of joy<\/span>. Living with division and conflict with another robs a Christian of his effectiveness and joy and robs God of His glory. Division pushes us towards isolation, breeds competition and turns a thankful heart into a bitter and envious heart. (Prov. 17:27-28, Eph 4:17 – 5:2)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
    1. Is it worth your relationship<\/span>? Too often we see an argument divide a friendship or family. As Christians we must remind ourselves that we need to value our relationships over being right. (1 Pet. 4:8, Eph 4:1-3)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \n
      1. Division dampens, humility shines<\/span>. Christ followers are called to be the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14). Division not only dampens our shining ability but it robs the world of a genuine authentic testimony of who Jesus is in the world today.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        4 Steps to take<\/h4>\n

        Moving forward won\u2019t be easy. Self-will and preservation are difficult to restrain. But I believe there are steps to be taken. Here are four steps to encourage you on your way forward:<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Be quick to listen<\/span>. Politics, healthcare, parenting, race relations, poverty, theology… this is complex stuff. None of us have all the answers. Heed the words of James and approach your conflicts with a listening ear.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          \u201cMy dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.\u201d (James 1:19)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Choose to love<\/span>. Paul lays it out to the church of Corinth pretty clearly. Choose love. You can be right about everything, generous, faith filled, courageous, and wise, but if you do not love, you gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Love your enemy, love your neighbor, love one another. Choose love.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              \n
            1. Be the first to try for reconciliation<\/span>. <\/span>Don’t wait for somebody else to make peace. If we all take a passive approach to developing unity it will never <\/span>happen. Remember, you don’t have to agree with others in order to accept them. You may never arrive at a full understanding, but you can still appreciate that, as humans, you and your \u201cadversary\u201d hold quite a bit in common\u2014you are both children of God, loved by the Savior. <\/span>[2]<\/span><\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                \n
              1. One heart at a time<\/span>. It starts in <\/span>your<\/span><\/i> heart. Maybe \u201cthey\u201d need to change as well but don\u2019t forget God is also at work in you. If you want to see change\u2014less division and more unity\u2014take it upon yourself to model love in your heart first and let God do the rest.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Our hope is in God alone<\/h4>\n

                It\u2019s easy to be discouraged at the brokenness of our world. The anger, blaming, and violence can quickly lead to despair. However, in moments of frustration I am reminded of the words of John:<\/span><\/p>\n

                \u201cI have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.\u201d (John 16:33)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

                Friends take heart. Sin is here, in all of us, but it\u2019s not here to say. Be a light to this dark and divisive world. The world needs us to speak truth in love to our neighbors for the sake of His kingdom and for the display of God\u2019s glory.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

                \n

                Growth Point:<\/h4>\n

                Change starts with you. Division is selfish, but through listening, intentionality, and the love of God, we can forge a path forward.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

                Scripture Point:<\/h4>\n

                Read and reflect on 1 Corinthians 1:10<\/span><\/p>\n

                Action Point:<\/h4>\n

                Have you engaged in a dispute or argument over the past 7 days? <\/span>Reflect on that experience using the “Reflections to consider” and “Steps to take.” Ask God if there is anything He would have had you react to differently. How could you approach the person or disagreement moving forward in a way that values the relationship and glorifies God?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

                <\/div><\/div><\/div>

                More Flourish posts you might be interested in:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                The Certainty of Change in an Uncertain World<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

                Loving Others: Living without Offense<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

                <\/h6>\n
                Sources:<\/h6>\n
                [1] https:\/\/ftc.co\/resource-library\/blog-entries\/troubleshooting-division-in-the-church<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h6>\n
                [2] https:\/\/www.geneva.edu\/blog\/biblical-wisdom\/unity-in-christ<\/span><\/h6>\n
                https:\/\/www.preachtheword.com\/sermon\/1cor03.shtml<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h6>\n<\/div>
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