There is no doubt about it, our culture is divided. Strong opinions and sharp disagreements are everywhere. People are taking sides, arguing among each other, and sometimes, hostility even seeps over into relationships that should be built on love and trust. Sadly, the same spirit of division can creep its way into the church if we are not careful.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to something higher and more important. It amazes me and makes me sad when I see people talk more about politics and are even more passionate about it than they are about the good news of Jesus. Our Lord prayed for his followers to be united so that the world would believe that He was sent by the Father (John 17:20-21). The church was never meant to mirror the arguments of society and culture. Instead, we are to STAND as a light of peace and hope. When we allow the same dividing lines of the world to separate us, we take the focus of the gospel away and weaken our mission.
Our focus is not on earthly, trivial, temporary arguments. Our focus should be on eternal truth. The world needs to see Christians who are not easily tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine or cultural shift or conflict. We are to remain committed to loving one another and pointing people to the truth about Jesus. We have GREATER work to do: SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS OF SALVATION, help those who are hurt, offer hope to the hopeless.
The mission of the church is simple yet profound: HELP HOPE and HEAVEN. Help those in need with great compassion. Offer hope through encouragement and care. And point people to heaven through the saving grace available in Jesus Christ. That mission has always been there from the beginning, and it is too important to be clouded by temporary disagreements.
Paul says, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
Our primary allegiance is not to human causes or earthly powers but to our King. When we live like we believe that and are united under His Lordship, the world will take notice.
Let’s rise above the noise of division. Let’s be the people who show what true unity looks like. In a world divided and fractured, let’s be a body of people standing firm as the family of God. Let’s live in harmony, working side by side, spreading the gospel, and keeping our focus on the eternal mission of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Blessings!
Alex Mills