Satan Divides Us
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
1 Corinthians 1:10
The goal of Satan is to divide people any way he can. Some of the ways he uses are race, financial status, education, background, and difference in our belief. He also divides marriages using conditional love, “I will love you as long as you meet my needs.” This division is evident in our lives by simply examining the type of people we associate with and the type of people we minister.
Throughout the Word, the subject of unity within God’s family is heavily stressed. I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity (John 17:33). Church doors should be open to everyone and the church should seek to minister to everyone, because Christ died on the cross for everyone.
One reason Satan wants to divide us is to prevent Christians from ministering to everyone. Some Christians that I have known, minister primarily to those in their own social culture. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:6) Nothing is more meaningful than going to the people to show we care.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14) Just as Israel in the Old Testament was to be a light to the nearby countries, the church is now the new Israel and each and every one of us is called by the Lord to be a light and minister to everyone we encounter in an effort to bring all to unity in Christ. We bring God’s truth to everyone thereby promoting unity.
The church is open for everyone where God’s love brings us all together in unity. All of God’s people are interconnected through the Holy Spirit and we become brothers and sisters for all eternity. All of Satan’s attempts to divide us based on our worldly differences are disarmed because of God’s love that bonds his people together. So when ministering to people seek the opportunity to bring them into God’s family.
Today see others as our Lord sees them and treat others with respect even if they don’t deserve it, because we reflect God’s grace. If the opportunity occurs, speak to someone that you normally ignore. Remember everyone you see is created in the image of God and he loves everyone. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)
Prayer: Lord, help me to show interest in others by showing respect and taking time to talk and listen. Fill my heart with your unconditional love so I can care about every soul. Guide me in the Spirit to minister to anyone you place in my path today. In Jesus name, Amen