The US versus THEM is destroying America. It is destroying communities, it is destroying Fairfield Bay. This mindset breeds turmoil, division, disunity, and breeds an atmosphere of hatred. It fuels a mindset that you must absolutely believe everything I believe, if not, you are the enemy and I will come against you. It creates an atmosphere where individuals are afraid to stand up for righteousness. It breeds ongoing, unnecessary, drama. Ultimately what happens is nothing of much value is accomplished or it is accomplished by evil, manipulative means.
Truth
Unity, peace, calm, fruitfulness can come from diversity if hearts are pure and they focus on the common good. A beautiful puzzle is made up of diverse pieces that interconnect. It is actually amazing how puzzle pieces on their own seem to have no value, but look at a puzzle when some pieces are missing and you see the value of those individual pieces. Each person in a community has value.
To be very honest, individuals who want to divide, attack, destroy, do not bring value to a community. When they unite together, it is not a beautiful puzzle. They harm a community and individuals.
Balance
There are going to be things that people do not agree upon. At times many things. I certainly will not compromise by going along with anything that conflicts with, or violates the Word of God. There are times, maybe many times we need to take a strong stance and say "NOI!!!!" But we can do it in a respectful and honorable way. If we are proclaiming to be a Christ Follower, our disagreements, conflicts should be done in a way that reflects the character of Christ. When we fall short we repent and make amends.
Christ Followers
If Christians cannot unite for a common good something is wrong. We are called to walk in unity. If nothing else we should agree that certain behavior is unacceptable. We should agree we cannot be involved in Unholy Alliances. We should agree for the need of repentance, renewal, reformation, revival. We should agree in the need of pray for individuals, Fairfield Bay, the body of Christ, America.
Notice in the following Scriptures how many times love and peace are mentioned.
Ephesians 4:3
Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Philippians 2:2
Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Pray, Pray, Pray
Let's pray for unity in Fairfield Bay, unity among Christians, unity in America. Of course, at times we will not be able to agree, maybe many or most of the time on some things, but this pray for unity in, if nothing else, to agree to disagree in a respectful and honorable manner. As Christians we are to love our enemies, not commanded to like them, but to love them. Pray for love to be manifested in the midst of disagreeing.
STANDING IN THE GAP-Intercessory Prayer
Tuesdays, 4:45pm, Saturdays, 6:30pm130 Village Pl, Suite 1-F, Fairfield Bay in Towne Center behind Village Market and next to ATV Encounters.Call 1-866-WANTGOD, 1-866-926-8463, for details or to request prayer.