Monday, September 10, 2012

Unity

"Be rich in love of man and love of God. Brothers should never cheat each other. When you move away from unity you are sure to move away from God" ~ St. Gregorios Geevarghese.

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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