A house divided

"Unity" is a beautiful word.  For me, it has the connotation of strength, peace and tranquility.  It is great when a family, a business, a church or a nation is united, unified, hanging together, being of one mind. Imagine what can be accomplished when everyone is pulling in the same direction, pursuing compatible goals and pressing forward with a common purpose. There have only been rare glimpses of such a state of affairs in this country in my lifetime.

Typically, there are divergent interests; each vying for power, influence and control. With strong leadership, some bipartisan support or agreement can be achieved for the group, the enterprise, or the nation to move forward. But sometimes the division, the chasm between the groups is just too great. Little or no common ground can be found, and the situation becomes intractable. Those involved in the struggle develop hardened attitudes, and the conflict goes on, often with disastrous results.

If you follow the political climate in the United States of America, you must know that, as a nation, we are divided by bitter differences of opinion on how our country should be run. The discussions, including town meetings around the country, have become increasingly acrimonious, with heated comments, complaints and insults hurled at the opposition in strident voices and angry shouts. Tax protests, marches and demonstrations abound. No matter which side you agree with, or where your sympathies lie, the tone and manner in which these protests are unfolding has to be very troubling to you.

Neighbors yelling at each other and communities becoming polarized by self-interests and differing political views fill the various news media. On the one hand, many people support what the national government is trying to accomplish in such a hurried fashion. On the other hand, about the same number of people are diametrically opposed to the administration's proposals and are committed to protesting against them in a very loud and raucous manner.

I think most citizens on both sides of the issue have sincere, heartfelt concerns, yet they do not have the means nor the power to achieve their ends. And so, the conflict goes on. Where and how will it end?

Actually, there is a source of knowledge and instruction that gives the answer, without apology. The Bible gives instruction based on wisdom, which comes from the Creator God. A prophet named Amos was inspired to write in about 755BC, "Can two walk together unless they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3). The answer is obvious. "No!" A breach will occur when there is no unity.

Jesus Christ, commenting on the results of lack of unity in Matthew 12:25 stated: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand." He made very clear that lack of unity can result in the downfall of a house or a nation.

It is clear that mankind does not know the way to get along and have peace. Jeremiah wrote about that long ago, when he said, "Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23).

So while we watch with dismay what is happening to our beloved country, do not despair. On beyond the chaos that lies ahead is a wonderful time of peace and plenty.

It is the message that we bring in all our media efforts. You can learn more about this peaceful time that we all long for in our free booklet The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like? You can download or order it at Tomorrow's World.

Unlike this house or nation, The Kingdom of God will not be divided, and it will stand for all eternity.