Everywhere we look these days we find division amongst people. The political scene is fraught with deep disagreements. School Boards and parents are increasingly at odds. Our communities are torn apart by differing racial, social and economic viewpoints. Opinions on all sides of the disagreements are shouted down and quickly, but with uninformed prejudices.
In Luke 11:17 Jesus raised the warning flag when He said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste,and a divided household falls.” Division ultimately leads to failure and destruction. But how can we overcome our divisions, while respecting the opinions of others?
The only long-term solution to our deep divisions is found in Philippians 2:1-4; “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfishness and empty conceit, but in humility count others as more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Humility is the solution to our divisions. Our thoughts and opinions matter, but humility also considers the opinions of others. Humility respects the thoughts of others and finds ways to speak opinions without condemning others. Humility is not selfish or self-centered, so it looks out for the interests of others.
But note, we cannot generate humility from within. This humility comes from encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, working with God’s Spirit, and true affection and sympathy. We need God’s help to be truly humble and overcome division. Let’s begin today by submitting ourselves to the love of God.
Reluctant Retiree 