by Wayne Robbins
Many people today are calling for unity, and I agree. Unity is a great thing for which we should hope and pray. Jesus Himself prayed for unity in John 17. But unity should never come at the expense of compromising the truth. We can know the truth, John 17:17 and John 8:32. The truth will set us free!
God is real, and He is the Creator of us all, Psalms 14:1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God."… . The Bible is from God, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. God reveals to us in the Bible that it is an abomination to shed innocent blood, Proverbs 6:16-17. The development of a child in a mother's womb is called, in God’s inspired Word, a baby, Luke 1:41. The shedding of innocent blood is still the shedding of innocent blood, even if some re-label it as “abortion,” and justify it under the caption of “women's rights”. Yes, I want the political parties to be united, but not if it means compromising the Truth.
Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and he pleaded for unity, 1 Corinthians 1:10 “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” As you notice in this verse, unity can only come if we speak the same things. In our current state of affairs, we are not all speaking the same thing. Some are speaking out for the rights of the unborn, while others are speaking out for the murder of the unborn; if that is what the mother chooses. Some are speaking out and saying that marriage is between a man and a woman, just as Jesus defined it in Matthew 19, but others are speaking out and saying that marriage is for any group who lusts after each other. Some are speaking out against adultery and fornication, which often fuel the epidemic of divorce in this country. Others are speaking out and encouraging a lifestyle of fornication, adultery, and promoting the idea that divorce is no big deal at all. Jesus made it clear in Matthew 19:6 “What God has joined together, let not man separate."
We should desire unity in our country and in our political parties but never at the high cost of compromising Truth. We are to stand up and fight for our faith. Jude 1:3 “ Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” This does not mean a physical fight with weaponry, for Jesus Himself told Peter to put away the sword, Mat 26:52. Our weapon of choice is sharper than even a two-edged sword. Our weapon is the powerful Word of God, Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Our government can choose when it is necessary to go to war and raise up weaponry. In Romans 13:1-7, we see that God has given the government the ability to make those decisions. As individual Christians, we do not have the right to use weapons to fight against our political opponents. We should not wish harm upon any political party or individual politician. We must continue to use the powerful Words of the Gospel message to change this world for good. God's word is needed now and has always been needed when guiding and shaping the political atmosphere.
As we fight this good fight of faith, we will never compromise the truth. 2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? If we walk with God, we are in the light and cannot compromise with darkness. We must “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21. May we continue to hope and pray for unity within the church, our country, our government, and our world. But, unity can never come at the high price of compromising the Truth as God has revealed it.
We often want peace and to "get along" with others. But, if that "peace" comes from being silent about sin, then it is not genuine peace. Peace with God means admitting we were wrong, that we hurt God, and that we now want to obey Him. And when Christians do that, they can also have genuine peace with one another.
Peace through silence about sin is worthless long term.
Thank you Wayne.
I feel our biggest challenge as Christians is spreading the good Word. And in doing so, not get influenced by worldly thought that really really try to influence our/God’s message. It feels like a constant battle at every turn. The devil’s “pull” is real, I feel it every day. I am very thankful to be united with my brothers and sisters in Christ, because I know together we are stronger and if we stay true to God’s word we cannot fail.