“Can’t we all just get along?” she asked. Watery pools gathered at the bottom of her eyes ready to splash over, waterfalls of reflected blue. Life as a thirteen-year-old had become invaded with tween girl spite and division.
I hate confrontation. I despise division. It gives me a pit in my stomach. That’s not to say I myself am a breeze to get along with. But I’m pretty sure if everyone else would just agree with me, we could all be so very united.
You may have you noticed there is some division in our country today (asked with a choking cough). Aided by media we see scenes unforgettable. We hear too much, yet not nearly enough. Real truth is a muddy ambiguity.
We feel the outrage of sides and form conclusions from the tug of war in our souls. With heavy hearts, sensitivities heightened, and morals are outraged, society is wound tight as a guitar string about to break.
In John 7 the curtain is pulled back for a tiny but fascinating glimpse into Jesus’ personal life. Jesus has risen to the popularity of a superstar. Everyone is talking about Him, and as greatly as He gathers followers, He accumulates enemies.
So, with this backdrop, the chapter starts by telling us Jesus is avoiding Judea because people are out to kill Him.
But his siblings have some advice for their older brother.
Go viral, Jesus.
“Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” John 7: 3-4 (NIV)
Reading their words, one would think they were patting him on the back, “go for it, brother. We’ll make you a star.”
But here’s the thing. “For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” John 7: 5 (NIV)
Jesus’ brothers’ intent was built on a foundation of unbelief.
Jerusalem’s population split sides. Some said Jesus was a prophet and some claimed he was a charlatan. His popularity was enormous until it turned against Him. Until hate went viral.
Division thrives on a viral world.
We applaud Jesus as a unity promoter. He was called the Prince of Peace. But the unity He brought wasn’t a sweet sentiment. It was a fact. It tore down the wall sin built and bridged the way to a perfect God.
In His life on earth, Jesus never shied away from division. In fact He assures us there will be divisions that will hurt and cause pain.
“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth?” Jesus cried out from the temple courts, “No, I tell you, but division.” Luke 12:51 (NIV)
In the crazy contest to be heard, to make our voices the loudest, our ideology the most righteous, unity built on the wrong foundation often turns mob like. It sidesteps the fundamental issue of unbelief.
“…show yourself to the world…”
Shared dislike and hatred is a foundation of clay not rock. Like a tween in the throes of catty offenses, unity built on discord will crumble.
Today’s world begs the question, “why can’t we just all get along?”
And the only true answer begins in submission to Christ.
J.D. Wininger
What a timely post Ms. Sylvia. Have been struggling personally with this very topic of late. When I find myself getting dragged into the cesspool of division, I soon realized that all that muck is tarnishing my testimony and I need to extricate myself from this worldliness. As you point out so well, this world is (and I suspect that until Christ’s return) and will continue to be full of discord and division. We must all remember that as children of God, this is not our world; and we should not have to be so concerned about what it’s doing. We instead have to focus on our lives and helping others see the alternative that God freely offers. Well said ma’am. God’s blessings.
Sylvia Schroeder
I get pretty wound up with the situations our world faces with such strong divisions. I need to continually tether my emotions and thought to the truth of God’s Word, because it is far too easy to retaliate in my flesh. Thanks J.D. I appreciate you reading and responding!
Monty Hobbs
Clear, accurate, and timely. There is so much arguing and fighting, but nobody listens. Jesus was the perfect example of how to react to times such as these.
Sylvia Schroeder
Monty, thanks so much for reading and commenting! It seems like such a unique time in history, but I am so grateful we can look at Jesus’ example and glean from it for today.
Deborah D. Crawford
So true. Only Christ can bring unity. Will we follow His lead and obey His will? Great imagination tying Biblical responses and actions to social media lingo. Good job!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Deborah! I am glad you resonated with the post. Only Christ can bring unity, and my how we need it! Thanks for reading and I appreciated the comment!
Jeannie Waters
Sylvia, what a thought-provoking and timely message. This quote: “And the only true answer begins in submission to Christ,” reminds me to draw close to Jesus so that my thoughts, words, and responses reflect Him.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Jeannie. It’s a struggle, I’m sure always has been, but today it seems really difficult to keep my mind focused on that reflection. Appreciate the comment!