United, We Stand; Divided, We Fall

"Today's Devotion" For October 2, 2006

Read: Luke 11:14-26; Psalm 25

UNITED, WE STAND; DIVIDED, WE FALL

"I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."(I Timothy 2:1-2a)

I don't remember who the artists were who recorded the song - I'm not even sure I remember the name of the song - but one line stands out for me that gets me thinking about the current state of affairs in our nation. The line I'm thinking of goes like this (I'm pretty sure it's the chorus or refrain): "For united we stand, divided we fall, and if our backs should ever be against the wall, we'll be together; together you and I (sic)." If my memory serves me, I'm pretty certain the rest of lyrics were focused upon a relationship between a man and a woman, but it may also have been about good friends standing together. At the same time Jesus' counsel has implications for a family, a community, a state, a nation, and even the church. When we're fighting among ourselves, and not willing to give each other a fair hearing, nor have the willingness to forgive, then it's easy for others to divide us and the consequences, as Jesus Himself noted are such that "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:25)

Every where we look in our communities, states, and the nation there is polarization, anger, frustration, hatred, and ill will flying in all directions. Even in our churches the spirit of unity and commitment to living together in understanding, compassion, and forgiveness is suffering. Rather than having heartfelt discussions of differing opinions, viewpoints, and positions, disagreeing with vigor, debating our differences, and finding ways to work and live together, our national conversations, and even our personal intercourse, is wholly vitriolic, accusatory, personal, and damning. It seems as if we've reached such a new low as a society that rather than discussing our differences with rationality, we're attacking the persons with whom we disagree, rather than the positions they hold or actions they take. This has become increasingly noticeable with the name calling and personal excoriation of character that is going on at all levels of society - particularly in the national conversation where our former habits were to "rally 'round the flag" (even when we disagreed on policy, politics, and actions) in time of war or national emergency.

Criticism and skepticism can be useful tools of dissent and keeping things honest. When they are a product of hatred and contempt they are no longer useful. The polarization that is occurring in the United States these days is affecting every level of society and culture. Rather than "freedom of religion" being a reality, mockery of Christianity as well as other religious beliefs is rampant. Rather than our politicians - you know the ones about whom I'm speaking; the ones who are elected by the people and who carry out the work of governing which belongs to the people- caring about the body politic, they seem more concerned about keeping their jobs and attacking other politicians persons, rather than their ideas and policies. Attacking another person rather than disagreeing with their ideas and actions seems to be becoming the order of the day. Even in our churches it seems that people are more willing to tear down rather than build up; criticize rather than find solutions. Of course it doesn't help the process any when those who hold responsible positions of leadership fail to listen and take into account the concerns of others. Having the attitude that "I'm right and you're not" doesn't serve to unite - only divide. In the end, it doesn't matter whether it's a nation, a community, a business, a church, or a family, such behavior only serves to tear apart, not build up. And when people spend their time tearing down, especially from within and making disagreements personal, there's an absolute certainty that the "nation, the city, and the house" will fall with a thud and a bang, and so rapidly no one will ever see it coming.

Jesus understood that reality so very well. Throughout His ministry on earth, He wasn't faced with detractors who vigorously debated His teachings. Instead they attacked Him and hated Him. He experienced such derision that He was actually accused of driving out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of the demons. The irrationality of such an accusation, Jesus' pointed out, was that, if such were the case, the devil himself was defeating his own purposes. In many ways, as we look at our national, state, local, church, and personal dealings with one another, that's exactly the behavior we see. The power of Sin - to focus on "me" ("I") - is taking root and leading us to destroy ourselves from within. Might doesn't make right, nor does vitriol and tearing another person down make for a better argument or idea.

The implications of this situation in our society are profound for our living as God's people in Christ and witnesses to His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Him. As the redeemed children of God in Christ Jesus, we have been called to be His ambassadors; we've been called out of the world, into the body of Christ, in order for us to give a living testimony by our words and deeds to God's compassion and love for the world. As Christian citizens our "vocation" our "calling" is to provide the "seasoning" so desperately needed by our society and our politics. While it's reasonable for people to disagree it's not reasonable for them to do so in a way that tears down, promotes hatred, and fails to find common ground to unite and nourish. Our prayers, as Paul wrote to Timothy, are needed for those who criticize and tear down, for those who serve and seek to build up, and for those in authority, especially the President, so that we might "live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Such a "house," a nation built upon the foundation of faith in Christ, cannot help but to be united to destroy those who would spread terror, provide justice, opportunity, and care for its citizens, and seek to make the world a better place for people to live, including allowing other religious beliefs to exist and be protected by law. There is great spiritual truth to those lyrics: "United we stand; divided we fall," and, by God's grace we won't forget that.

Prayer: Father, I'm really disturbed by the personal, vitriolic, name-calling attacks being made by those who have been elected to lead in the nation, the state, my community, and my church. Rather than disagreeing with one another in a meaningful and helpful way, it seems as if this society has taken on a demeanor of hatred and derision that divides and polarizes. People don't discuss things anymore, Father. Instead they seem intent on tearing others down with whom they disagree. People in positions of leadership seem intent on ignoring what others are saying and show a grave unwillingness to admit to wrong decisions, faulty premises, and that they may have taken a wrong direction.

I find myself guilty on the same counts. Too often I criticize the person rather than their behavior or position. Too often I'm more concerned with being right than communicating my position and beliefs in a firm but loving manner that doesn't seek to tear another down. Forgive me, Father, for such behavior on my part, including my willingness to wish for the failure of others, rather than for what's best for them and others. Help me to be an instrument of Your peace that my actions and words as I fulfill my vocation as a Christian citizen, neighbor, and friend may serve to help unite rather than divide. Grant me the power and presence of Your Holy Spirit that I may seek the best for the lives of others in the community, the church, the nation, and the world, and encourage the same in others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.