Let’s rise above forces of
division, unite for Christ


I have often found myself within the emerging divisions of “right” versus “left.” I call this trend “the polarization of America.”
Sometimes that polarization occurs right here in our newspaper, the Witness. On occasion I have written my response to articles that have been on the other side of the dividing wall.
My growing concern is about where the polarization is taking us, especially in the church. Ministers and believers within the body of Christ appear to want to push us into two extremes.
Everyday the e-mails pour into in-boxes, giving details about this cause or that. Sometimes the e-mails are correct. Sometimes they are filled with half-truths that are merely meant to stir up hatred or rally someone to their cause.
Organizations are rising up that have division as their sole purpose.
My heart is grieved over the polarization, and I plead with my brothers and sisters in Christ to come to some common ground—or, as a friend of mine called it, “higher ground.”
I call us to rise above the forces of division and unite in the cause of Christ.
Perhaps we can be reminded of the story in Mark 9, where the disciples questioned Jesus about someone who was casting out demons in Jesus’ name.
Jesus said, “For he who is not against us is on our side” (Mark 9:40).
Unfortunately, we have somehow come to “different sides.” Some seem intent on fracturing the body of Christ.
I realize that some will argue that it is because the body of Christ is fractured that they raise their voices in the first place. But if your child has a broken arm, do you grab the child by the broken arm and twirl it about shouting “help us”?
Further fracturing what is already damaged won’t bring about healing.
I’m certain people who want to move toward higher ground can use the following guide to help us get there:
> Above all else, pray. Don’t say or do anything that hasn’t been deeply covered in prayer. Pray for unity of the body and for our nation. Pray for the forces of evil at work to bring about polarization to be stopped.
> Choose not to participate in things that cause polarization or harm to the body of Christ. Choose to be messengers of love, rather than harbingers of hate.
I’m not saying we should not have our own beliefs. But when the promotion of our beliefs is causing us to wrestle among the fractured body, then I am simply asking us to move ourselves to a more important cause, that of the kingdom of God.
> Choose not to write polarizing articles or respond to them. People who are bent on fracturing the body will expose themselves. They don’t need a response.
As much as it gets your ire up, I am asking each of us to “turn the other cheek” and move toward the higher ground.