The word “division” has been on my mind a lot lately, and it is something that has upended homes, churches, governments, and quite honestly all known human relationships. Sadly, the enemy is really good at stirring up conflict in the simplest things, and knows the areas that trouble us enough to each take a stand, knowing it will cause division. I believe he has an agenda that first includes isolating us from others, and then steals our focus away from the things of God. Regretfully, his plans work all too well, leaving us navigating the chaos caused by division in our lives. As these dilemmas weigh on our minds we begin to battle with thoughts like: “What do we do? What do we say? How do we react?” Frankly, the complications that arise when two parties do not agree becomes both time consuming and frustrating, to say the least. I’d be willing to confidently say, that God is not real happy about all the distractions either!
In a world where we are supposed to be a light that leads others to Jesus, division can trip us up along the way! This is especially true when believers are the ones divided.
Let’s Consider the Definitions of Division
I thought it might be important to look up the definition of division, and there are many, but this one caught my attention: “disagreement between two or more groups, typically producing tension or hostility.”
There was also a list of other words to help explain the meaning further. Quite a few of these capture the essence of what’s been on my heart lately. They include: discord, conflict, disunity, rupture, chasm, dispute, and estrangement, and hostility, to name just a few. Sound familiar?
Next, Let’s Consider the Definition of Hostility
Perhaps if you are like me, the word “hostility” (taken from above), can best describe the pent up reactions when division is allowed to grow… “hostile behavior; unfriendliness or opposition.”
Doesn’t sound very Christian like, does it? But wait, there’s more to think about! Here are more words to consider: antagonism, bitterness, malevolence, malice, spite, anger, hatred, aggression, resentment, aversion, fighting, warfare, war.
Whew! those are powerful words! None of which we want to portray to others as representatives of Jesus Christ! Wouldn’t you agree? ~ And we certainly do not want to be on the receiving end of those behaviors from others!
Division Left Unresolved Often Leads to Destruction
Sadly, even when we recognize the problems dividing us, there’s no easy answers for resolution. Simply identifying that problems exist, doesn’t offer up solutions for making them disappear. It’s quite the contrary oftentimes, because the more we ponder the issues, the more disheartened we can become.
As for me personally, “Division Equals Chaos,” no matter the roots.
At some point the focus is not just about who is right, and who is wrong. Instead, it’s likely that the two sides just do not think alike. It’s also quite possible that the division may be a result of personal convictions, and even Biblical ideologies that just do not align. Other times, it may be just plain out stubbornness, because we want what we want. Honestly, we may never truly know the root causes.
Is it Possible to Agree to Disagree?!
Many of us have heard, and tried, that old adage that says: “Sometimes you have to agree to disagree.” Perhaps we’ve already been there, done that and realized that try as we might, that wasn’t the answer! It’s all quite overwhelming at times!
Typically the issues that divide us are hard to talk about, so attempting to do so, often makes for volatile conversations. We don’t want to argue, so avoidance, seems the better option, but is it really?
Once present in a relationship, the things that divide typically smolder under the surface. Whether spoken or unspoken, we know it’s there. We also know that it’s continually building momentum little by little, waiting for the day, it all finally erupts! The differences refuse to be contained any longer, and like it or not, a battle ensues.
In all likelihood, prior to the eruption, time has been spent doing what I like to describe as “walking on egg shells, or tiptoeing around the dilemma, while grasping for a momentary truce. Pretending to be okay, when we definitely are not!”
Our hearts know this isn’t a healthy choice, but it’s a coping mechanism that we have acquired through the years. It all becomes a habit, like a record on repeat, as we try our darnedest to avoid confrontation, not yet ready for the battle to come.
Our Faith Requires Honesty and Truth: Why Must it be so Difficult?
It’s very likely that we are not being totally honest with ourselves. But, let me clarify that deception isn’t the goal whatsoever!
Avoiding the conflict seems safe to us. Hiding our feelings, somehow becomes the only thing that brings a semblance of peace, and a much needed time-out, which helps us keep functioning in our daily lives.
Simply put, we know we still have things to accomplish on our to-do-lists, and opportunities to enjoy life with others. Busying our minds helps us not have to face the discord bubbling inside, if only for a little while. Trust me I know! I wear myself out, staying busy, to avoid thinking too much!
It’s plausible that our minds convince us that it’s easier to pretend a little longer, urging us to push those feelings aside, while attempting to ignore them all together. But sadly, those efforts are in all likelihood only postponing what is inevitable.
Deep down, we may be wishing we were stronger, ready to face the challenge, but we aren’t. Eventually, we know it will all catch up to us, but because we see no visible resolution in sight, we grab onto this false semblance of peace while hoping that just maybe it won’t explode today!
On a More Personal Note: I Can’t Be the Only One, Right?
Some of the reasons for pondering the things that divide, are too intimate to share in detail, but others, have me thinking that I am not the only one dealing with thoughts like this. Patheos is a way to address difficult things in a community where others may need to know they aren’t the only ones battling things in life.
I would venture to say that most all of us would raise our hands, if asked, and admit that some kind of division exists in our lives. It’s even likely that many of us would be able to share long lists of things that immediately come to mind that are causing conflict daily .
Sometimes, all we can do is “Be Still” and wait for God’s direction or intervention. These are times when faith is defined. Times when trusting God for what we can not see, becomes our hope!
Jesus Warns Us About the Consequences of Division
I am often reminded of the Bible scripture that says, “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.” Matthew 12:25 (NIV)
The “house” in this parable refers to a “household” or a family living together beneath one roof. Just like a kingdom in civil war will eventually destroy itself, a household that is “divided against itself” will eventually fall.
Satan uses this weapon against us in homes, and outside of them. He’s aiming to destroy God’s kingdom, to obscure truth, and to kill and steal and devour everything he can. See these Bible verses for clarification: John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Admittedly, situations exist where the division is stealing my peace. The weight of these issues often gets too heavy to ignore, and estrangement becomes reality. Nothing good comes from the things that divide.
Closing Thoughts on Struggles with Division
As I close, I’ll confess that this isn’t an article offering answers. Instead, it is one hoping to expose the truth of how dangerous this spiritual battle can be when division runs rampant. It’s an extremely powerful weapon that is challenging to combat.
Let this be your reminder that you have an enemy that is eager to defeat you. Stay vigilant! Stay on guard! Pray that God will intervene in the schemes the enemy has, and do your part to listen to instruction.
Our hope is in Jesus! He makes a way when there seems to be no way!
Pray for me and I’ll pray for you! God’s got plans for our lives and my greatest desire is to be exactly who He created me to be, while sharing Jesus with the world!
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