We have entered a time of increasing division within the Church. We are being divided over lesser issues. We are currently seeing this happen because of our political opinions. No matter how important some of those issues are, they are not what should divide us. This division intensifies when our emotional responses have been allowed to attach themselves to what we think is right.

This division is not just about the groupthink some people demand of us about politics or a preferred candidate. It is a deeper kind of division that is affecting our relationships with our families and friends. 

Division in the Church is only permissible regarding the person of Jesus Christ, not our opinions about what we think should happen during a political season. Our opinions are not the Gospel. Jesus is. The current division is happening because we are giving equal authority to the lesser things that want to divide God’s people.

Scripture provides us a way forward in times when a divisive spirit is afoot, “All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing” (I Peter 3:8-9). 

The choices we make in a time of division require that we bless those who oppose us. The choice to bless others will allow God to send a blessing to us. That attitude of heart will create sympathy in us for those who have erred in their focus requiring the Church to unite over the lesser things of life.

Scripture tells us how to find our way in a time of increasing division, “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it” (vs. 11). Somewhere in all the division that is happening, peace is possible to those who bless, not curse or demean, those of an opposing position. This requires a humble heart. 

“And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ So, humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (vs. 5-7).

The word “humble” has been translated to mean to “depress” what opposes the will of God. Under God’s mighty hand, we let the Lord depress our desire to join in the cursing chorus of culture and allow the heart of God to be revealed.

We are given a warning of who it is that is causing the division, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith. (vs. 8-9).

We are not to devour our brothers and sisters in Christ when a spirit of division is at work. Devouring a fellow believer is a form of spiritual cannibalism, a meal of division offered by Satan.

The world is watching how we move through this current season of political division. A wise person will not dismiss what is happening. How we respond to each other when hearts are divided will be a testimony to the world about what matters most to the Church.