Division sounds so ugly, doesn’t it? It sounds so exclusive in the context of culture. As if by dividing ourselves from others, we are instigating an “us against them” mentality. I mean, I guess it sort of is, right? But the question we should all be asking ourselves as Believers is not whether or not we believe division is right. Rather, we need to ask what God thinks about division, and whether it’s right in the context we find ourselves living in.
Unity
I’ve heard many people refer to Biblical unity passages often. 1 Corinthians 1:10 talks about having no divisions among us. Paul spoke to the Philippians about being of the same mind (Philippians 2:2). There are several other passages I could refer to as well.
Division
However, we also have passages such as Luke 12:51, where Jesus says He came to bring about division, not peace. John 7:43 refers to Jesus Himself causing division among the people.
So what are we supposed to believe? How do we come to terms with what the bible is teaching in its entirety? And what does that look like in the cultural context of this time?
Natasha Crain
I was listening to The Becket Cook Show, where he was recently interviewing Natasha Crain. If you have the time, I would definitely give it a listen. Crain is promoting her latest book, When Culture Hates You. She spoke specifically about division in the church at one point, and I thought what she had to say was very helpful and insightful. She emphasized the fact that yes, unity is important. The LORD wants us to be unified within the body of Christ. However, we must unify around Truth. That truth is defined by what the Word of God teaches. Ultimately, “we must divide rightly.”
Can I get a YES and AMEN??
Rightly divide
Of course, “rightly” can also be twisted and turned all over the place. But here again, Crain points out that we must keep going back to the truth of Who God is and who He created us to be (obviously, by going to the Word of God). She used the example of how babies are made in the image of God, and should therefore not be murdered. Clearly something we should all fight for as Believers, right?
However, Crain brought up a point that I’ve realized myself the last few years. Often, people who say they want to stop abortion, but still vote Pro-Choice (i.e. pro-baby-murder), look to the woman rather than the baby in the womb. They want to protect the woman’s right to “choose” or her right to bodily autonomy. Or else, they want to provide for her needs so she doesn’t HAVE to murder her own child.
Clarity is key
We must always clearly define what we’re arguing and point out what we’re talking about. Clarity is so important, as well as definition of words. With those tools in hand, we can all make much better decisions as well as make better arguments. We won’t always win the argument or change people’s minds, but at least we can all have a better understanding of what is at stake, and what we’re actually talking about.
Division is difficult and messy. But the LORD never promised us our lives would be easy. His Word is Truth, and when we decide to bend the rules in order to appease the culture, we’re the ones that are wrong. Not God’s Word.
Of course, we most definitely should consider the needs of a mother who may be pregnant unexpectedly or is in crisis. Truth and compassion can and should go hand in hand. Thankfully, that is what Pregnancy Resource Centers do everyday. But as Believers, we must always prioritize the sanctity of the life of that baby in the mother’s womb.
Why is this so hard?
I realize this is not an easy position to have. However, it is the RIGHT position to have, on this and any number of issues that will be blasted by those who deem themselves more compassionate and righteous than we as Christians are. We must lean into the Word of God, and seek His strength and wisdom. Standing firm is not for the faint of heart, especially when that means intentionally dividing. But we know that Truth is much more important than inch deep unity.
I hope you pick up Natasha Crain’s book! She has several titles that are fantastic!
