A word used more and more in peoples’ conversations to describe our nation’s population, is the word “divided.” Some of the questions that pop up in my mind when thinking about this are as follows: Is division all that bad? Diversity of viewpoints is a good thing. Is there really anything new about the division? After all, we’re a “melting pot,” and have immigrated from distinctly different backgrounds all through our history. What ever happened to “agreeing to disagree?” Doesn’t disagreement imply a difference (division) in viewpoint, at least? How do disagreements get turned into deep hatred for people with some opposing views? Is it really division we’re talking about? Are we not more deceived than divided? Is it not that the voices trying to destroy America have become louder and their lies more blatant so that public perceptions are confused?
I certainly do not claim to have all the answers, but here are a few thoughts that may help bring some clarity to readers trying to make some sense of what’s going on.
“A Republic, if you can keep it”
Our nation was founded as a Republic. Honor and respect for Almighty God are bedrock assumptions centering our founding documents (ie. Constitution). A government of the people, by the people, and for the people sprang out of love for faith, virtue, and freedom. Self-government of individuals is a core necessity for people to live in a truly free society. Not that people have to be perfect, but they must at least acknowledge God as the final authority in order for systems of law and order to work. Maybe not everyone believes this, but deepest love and honor of fellowman occur when our character is transformed through a heart surrendered to our all-loving God.
Christian principles are at the center of our nation’s history. I am not saying a person has to be a Christian to be an American. However, our public life should include a respect for our godly heritage. Moreover, although all Americans do not believe in God in the same way and to the same degree of centrality in their personal life, our public life must remain respectful of Almighty God in order for God’s blessings on our nation to continue.
I believe, if we turn away from God in that we carve out, separate from, divide out his core involvement and divine interventions on our behalf, America ceases to exist at that point.
Chrisitan Heritage
With that said, I think Christians should be leading the way when it comes to resisting divisions that are tearing our nation apart. Uniting around the Lordship of Jesus Christ is the most important step for Christians to take action. Division among Christians for me, is the most heart-breaking kind of divide. How can we lead our nation to wholeness if we aren’t committed to wholeness among ourselves? The Bible’s warning is true: “A house divided cannot stand.” The same enemy that seeks to destroy our soul is seeking to destroy America through divisions, or at least the perceptions thereof. We must increase our awareness, seek God, and repent in order for any kind of healing to take place (see 2 Chronicles 7:14)
God has had his hand in the affairs of the USA since its inception. Eric Metaxas has a new book to be published soon telling the story of the American Revolution. For America to survive, God’s people must unite in pushing back against the political, social, and other cultural divides.
Chrisitan Integrity of Heart
In a previous article, I explain how Jesus Is the Gate. The first priority in tearing down any dividing walls is to make sure our personal lives are centered on God (as opposed to the influences of the culture around us). Hearing from God begins with what he has already spoken in the Bible. The Bible is God’s voice, and listening to what it says means we believe and obey it without exception. The entire Bible is written to reveal who Jesus is, and how we should respond to him.
If we are truly in the “sheep fold” of Jesus, we surrender to his authority as the Gate. We yield to his leadership (shepherding and gate keeping). He calls the shots. He tells us where to “graze.” That is, allow our body, mind, and soul to only feed on things that are wholesome and healthy. Behaviors the Bible condemns, we condemn. Behaviors and people the Bible honors, we honor. Abundant blessings accompany this kind of lifestyle.
We recognize however that the “thief” (the devil and evil in the world) is a real opponent. The aim of evil is to “kill, steal, and destroy” as John 10:10 warns us. Evil presents in many voices. Failing to listen for, and hear God’s voice, leaves us vulnerable to listening to voices that seek to divide us. Not following God’s ways also makes us vulnerable to being destroyed by the thief’s evil ways.
Deception
Not only as an individual, but also as a community and nation this principle is true. As we celebrate 250 years of the USA’s existence this year, it is important to remember the distinctively Christian worldview that shaped the Founders’ vision for the Republic. We may have strayed in many ways and some say we are more divided than ever. I think, however, we are more “deceived” than divided. Many popular culture voices (including the legacy media outlets) are seeking to “divide” and “deceive” us with lies and false narratives. We must become wise to this ploy, and resist the fear-based and sensational appeal.
For example, some seek to divide by creating an oppressed vs oppressor narrative. They blame the problems of a seemingly oppressed class on an oppressor. Blame for problems is attached to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or the like. Often the ones screaming “victim” the loudest are the very ones trying to victimize others for their own selfish gain. There is always just enough truth in a lie to make it believable. The more we understand about God’s ways and desires, the more discernment we can exercise when sorting out claims based on falsehood instead of true reality.
A further example is the deception of Islam. Islam is not a religion of peace. Although there may be some peaceful people who call themselves Muslim, the fundamentals of the Quran and Sharia law seek to manipulate and control people through violence and death. Islam is more a political ideology that poses as religion for purposes of deception. We must be wise to this. We must not allow accusations of “Islamophobia” to keep us from rightly dividing the truth from lies.
In cases like this, division as a means of exposing (separating out) lies, is necessary. The Iranian Islamic theocracy regime (and their proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah), as one instance, is very evil, and must be dealt with for what it is, not what it claims to be. Their written purpose for being is to obliterate Israel, and they term the USA as the “Big Satan.” They are in reality the chief promoters of terror in the world and require all people under their rule to submit to their demonic strategies, or die.
Yet, it is surprising that some Christians seem to have a difficult time condemning actions like Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and then not supporting Israel in their subsequent response to the evil perpetrated. Are they believing the fake news? Are they believing news so spiked with deception that truth is no longer welcome? The legacy media (CNN, NBC, CBS, etc.) seem to advance a narrative that is anti-God, anti-Israel, anti-American every chance they think they can get away with it. Their distorted narratives have influenced too many people for far too long. Is it that too many Christians are still paying too much attention to their propaganda?
Media Divides
Another danger with legacy media is that they thrive on division. They always seem to deliberately minimize heroic acts of American patriotism and at the same time never miss an opportunity to attack personality traits of people who do not fit their narrative. Often times it isn’t what’s said but what is not said (left out) that makes it corrupt. I read an author recently who states, “A half-truth masquerading as the whole truth becomes a complete untruth.” Partial truth is no truth at all. Fake context makes it fake news. Many examples could be cited where this occurs, including abortion, so-called transgenderism, national border security and enforcment, election integrity, government waste and fraud, to name a few.
Then there’s the political arena. The two major political parties at the national level have party platforms that are more distinctly different than ever before. God is much more honored in one than the other. Maybe if the political party you affiliate with cannot celebrate God and the need for his involvement in American life, it’s time to make a change in your party registration for voting. Then of course, we must vote for the platform and candidates who are proven with their record (not with speeches narrated by fake media). America’s politicians should put American citizen protection and interests as high priority. Be a truth-informed voter. Vote for candidates that demonstrate with their actions that they love America. Their actions should prove that they will do their best to give the citizens the substantive hope for opportunities they’ve enjoyed the last 250 years as one nation under God.
It is my prayer that God’s people will practice godly discernment in their personal and public lives. More than ever, Truth must be at the center of our thoughts and desires. May God as Refuge be glorified.