Divided We Fall
Some people spend a lot of time and effort passionately fighting for their cause while demonizing the opposition. That’s not the approach Jesus taught.
Near the end of his life, the Revolutionary War era orator, Patrick Henry, made an impassioned speech against the so-called Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions. These resolutions argued that states had the right and duty to declare any acts of Congress unconstitutional that the Constitution did not explicitly authorize. The debates created great division in the young American nation, leading George Washington to tell Henry that the resolutions would “dissolve the union or produce coercion” if systematically and resolutely pursued. In his last public speech, given in March 1799, Henry spoke boldly despite failing strength, "Let us trust God, and our better judgment to set us right hereafter. United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs." Just two months later, he died.
We face similar division in our nation today, perhaps a broader and more insidious separation than ever before—a division of values and of moral vision.
It need not be this way.
Nearly 1,800 years before Patrick Henry, Jesus called for unity as well. He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48 NIV)
You need not agree with others to show respect and demonstrate God’s love. Stand against division, and stand for one another. Else, be warned: A divided nation will fall.