September 11th is a day of mourning
in our country because of the thousands who lost their lives for a purposeless cause. It is also a
day, where for a short time, we caught a glimpse into a society where it did
not matter your race, gender, sexual orientation, or party line. A unified
society existed. It would not have mattered what President was in office at
that time, he would have been embraced by the people because he would have had
to lead the American people through a national tragedy, which he did. Vigils
were held across the country for families who we did not know and we stood
together in some form of patriotic fashion because compassion was at the
forefront of our hearts, not hate. Now today, facebook, news outlets and other
media outlets are filled with nothing more than hatred laded excuses of why it
is OK to spew words of hate about people, no matter who they may be. Unity has
been lost. While I typically stay away from talking about anything political, I
will admit that I too have been entertained by the bantering that has occurred
over political bashing. This makes me no better than those carrying on
outwardly in the bantering. With this election coming up, Satan would like
nothing more than to use it to divide Christians more, use it as another tool
to make us seem like arguing fools, and use it as a hindrance to our mission:
to bring others to Christ. If we spent even half of the time studying,
discussing, and professing our passion for Christ to others as we do our
passion for politics, souls could be forever changed. But it doesn’t happen
because the passion to share our interest in politics is easier than our
interest in sharing our passion for Christ. If that statement shocks or offends
you, good. Perhaps your gut needs checking. I know for me, it isn't politics
that I necessarily have a passion for, but I do get caught up being passionate about things that aren't eternally important. Anything that takes
priority over Christ has become an idol, whether that be politics, our
families, our jobs, or ourselves. The unity that occurred after 9/11 has been
lost due to selfishness. We by nature are a selfish people. For a time, we
chose to bear one another’s burdens. Now, one another's burdens have become a
burden to us. For the most part many people no longer seek out ways to help
others, but look for ways to help themselves. The greater good has become the
greater me. We expect Grace but aren't willing to give it. This has caused a
divisive community both in our homes and throughout the country. It is sad and
it completely goes against what the Bible teaches. I am thankful that we serve
a Gracious and Merciful God who is willing to be so patient and loving with a people
so undeserving as we are. All hope is not lost in the unity that was held in
those moments after 9/11 because we can be unified in the belief that Jesus
Christ died for our sins and that it is He who offers all those who choose to
believe the Grace of forgiveness. He unifies us. So whether it’s through
facebook, the media or with a conversation with a friend we should stop and
consider the divisiveness of our language. Are we speaking love or hate? Truth
or lies? Will what we are speaking glorify God or bring his name shame?
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your
mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it
may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by
whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath
and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ
forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:29-32
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