There is a great divide in the world today. Republicans vs Democrats, Liberals vs conservatives, Nation vs nation, race wars, and economic divides, etc. But the greatest division on earth is the division between spiritual light and darkness. It’s true that even the churches of Christ have their dividing points. And we need to work towards the unity of the faith. But there is one divide that must remain. It is the divide between right and wrong, truth and lies, the division between God’s truth and the world’s lies. We who are Christ’s must never compromise and become lukewarm. We cannot become so much like the world around us that you can’t tell the difference between us. And that is why Jesus said the things He said in today’s text.

“I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time? “Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right? When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge delivers you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. I tell you; you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.”” (Luke 12:49–59, NKJV)

Have you experienced a division between dear friends or family because of your allegiance to Christ? Understand that this is to be expected. Just make sure you are not being rejected because you are being unreasonable or obnoxious. If there must be division among us let it be because we are faithful followers of Christ who refuse to compromise with this world’s sinful rationale. And above all, make sure you are right with God and then be an ambassador for Christ to those who are not.

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:20–21, NKJV)

Pastor Mike