For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17
So if you were the “adversary” how would you do it? How would you create a division in the Body of Christ that would keep them separated, not talking, judging one another and not loving one another? I know what I would do. I would come up with every little “isim” and “skisim” I could think of to keep them divided. I would fill their heads with all kinds of ideas, thoughts, customs, practices and traditions that would constantly keep them divided, not working and not walking together in love. And, that’s exactly what the enemy has done.
For a couple thousands of years now he’s done his best to keep the Body of Christ at odds with one another, and for the most part it’s been about things that really are superficial at best. From what day of the week we choose to worship, to the food we eat, to how long ones hair is, or how short someone’s dress is, the enemy has used every trick in the book to keep us at odds and in judgment of one another.
In Romans 14:1 Paul says, “Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” And, in verse ten and eleven he says, “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
Jesus Himself said in John 13:35, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” The “Love” that Jesus was speaking of here wasn’t our love for the people in the world, but our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The good news is that things are shifting. Churches and Christian organizations that would have nothing to do with one another years ago, because of differences and nuances in belief, are now working together to do great things. And, as the world sees more and more of us coming together under the banner of Jesus and His love they will see His power at work in us collectively.
So today, let’s continue to set aside the small things that would separate us and lets stand together under the name of Jesus and as we do, we’ll see all the great things He will do through His Body united.