Together we stand, divided we fall. It’s that simple!
Everywhere we turn the gap between us widens. From the have’s to have not’s, from the godly to the ungodly, from the left wing to the right wing, from race to religion. We can’t even agree to disagree. Yet, we seem to be the country, everyone wants to come to, in which that topic alone divides us.
“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” ~ Mark 3:25 (KJV)
With the recent events that have taken place, from the: senseless shooting at the Pulse Night Clue in Florida, to Baton Rouge to Minnesota, the attack on police officers in Dallas, to the politicians bickering like little kids, from wanting to make it home safe, to the rampant robberies and crime in our own city, it has dropped us to our knees.
What else are we to do? What we realized, is that our opinion doesn’t matter, having rants on social media only seems to cause more discord. We as a people, can’t seem to communicate our differences without there being a problem, or someone taking offense.
However, what matters is how we’re living, who we’re influencing and how we’re affecting change in our family and those around us in our community.
Bottom line…the only thing in this world you can change is you!
Unfortunately, the things that are taking place must take place. The Bible talks about them happening. And if you think, it’s bad now, just wait. Matthew 24 tells us how it will.
“3 Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?”
4 Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.” ~ Matthew 24:3-14 (NLT)
As believers, we are not of the world, but we do live here in this world, and there is something we can do.
We know that we will not be able to fight this battle in the natural, but as believers, we must fight this battle in the Spirit. There is a spiritual battle happening right before our eyes, and we must pray and take responsibility for our ways, our conduct, our behavior, our choice to divide or stand, our choice to love or hate, and be the church, not just talk about the church.
We are to begin in our own lives and with our children, teachings them to love, have respect and regard for God and for people.
Love is caught not taught. It is the only emotion we all connect with regardless of color, religion, sex, or nationality and we all respond to love the same.
Unfortunately, this is true for hate. Hate makes us all respond the same; out of anger, aggression, and revenge. The danger we face when we take on revenge is more hate.
If we want to see any change in our world, each person must decide; to love, to unite, to show respect and regard towards one another. As believers, we must take a stand of unity, equality and love; the very thing people risk their lives to come to this great nation for.
When we change ourselves, we change our family. When we change our family, we change our community; and when communities change, just maybe we can change our world.
Our prayers go out to the hurting families, to those in authority, the communities, the disenchanted, the judged, the broken and the condemned. We pray for God’s protection over you and your family. For a thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. And may God’s love, peace and wisdom surround and comfort each one of you!
~André and Timberley Gray
Very nice blog Pastors, I really enjoyed the American article.
Thank you brother Ron for joining in prayer, as We continue to pray and stand in the gap for our country. ~ Blessings