As we are sitting in the in between of Jesus's death and resurrection, I am remembering Jesus's last words on the cross, as I'm sure His disciples did that day.
It is finished.
Jesus came to bring reconciliation and in that spoken word, that is exactly what He did.
But if that is the case, why do we live in such a divided world? Why is there so much pain and frustration and anger. Why are liberals standing on the corners at the schools crying out for gun control to protect the lives of their children while conservatives are standing at the abortion clinics also crying out the lives of children. We all seem to have the same hearts for what is right, but somehow can't come together to see all the hypocrisies in our laws and how the division is not necessary.
Here's an example of what I mean:
Some people feel harmed because they are disagreed with, so they feel justified in causing physical harm, property harm, or creating laws and policing people in order to right the harm they believe they were caused. Which again, is a violation of the individuals freedom.
In the example here, maybe the person who took this pie felt wronged, because there were 9 people and they were the smallest person and knew they would not be able to get a piece of pie unless they took it. So in this instance, they feel justified in taking a piece that is harmful to others, because they would have been harmed otherwise.
This goes for both sides of the aisle.
Maybe the person who took the pie believes that we have a right to own firearms to protect ourselves and our loved ones. So they legally purchase their gun, take a conceal carry class, and take their firearm legally with them where they want. They've taken the piece of the pie above. Someone however could feel their rights are being violated and they are being harmed, because maybe they were witness to a violent crime involving an illegally owned weapon and they are terrified when they see this person wearing a holster and carrying their weapon. They call the police and the battle ensues.
Another scenario. Someone feels their rights are being violated by not allowing them to choose abortion as a form of birth control for example. They go above the federal law by going out of one state to another that allows the procedure. Conservatives then argue that they've taken a piece of the pie unfairly and violated the right of the living child in order to get their own peice of the pie. It's at the expense of someone elses life and freedom.
This is not just two sides fighting against each other.
This is the devil trying to cause division.
There is another force in the midst of this. A spiritual force that God has warned us about.
Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Christ followers, we know what we are fighting against! Why do we keep fighting against flesh and blood. We are God's children! We are the ones who carry the truth! They do not know the truth, but the truth can set them free.
John 8:31-38 "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father. ”
See, Jesus knew they were willing and wanting to kill him. We've heard that a lot these days. People wanting to kill people over disagreements. But Christians, followers of Christ, we are NOT slaves of sin. We sold ourselves out to Christ and now it is our duty to follow Him, to be His hands and feet, to speak His words in truth, to carry our cross, and yes if necessary to die on that cross. We are supposed to share the truth, but share it as Jesus did. You can see plainly, these men who accused Jesus completely lied. We have never been slaves to anyone. Blatant lies! But Jesus was so wise. He didn't stoop to attack the low hanging fruit. His purpose wasn't to win the argument. His purpose was to share the truth of who He is and what He came to accomplish. The forgiveness of sins to set people free.
True and real freedom.
Our country, our government. They attempt to give us this faux version of freedom. I get to do whatever I want and as long as it doesn't hurt someone else, it's fine. That's not real freedom. Real freedom is found only in Christ. We shouldn't be arguing like this for rights. We should be spreading seeds.
This is enemies goal. Trying to cause people to hate one another and to not act in Christ's purposes for our lives. Christ came to reconcile people, not to cause division and strife. The devil is the one who causes all of the chaos. We are represantatives of Christ and He is the redeemer and the one who reconciles us to Himself and to one another.
Christian people would realize we are called to be different then the world. We are Jesus's hands and feet. Jesus died, not for a cause or a political affiliation. He died for people. Because God loved them. People that did cause him harm, He still died for them. We need to be willing to die for them too. Not for our causes, but for the people who are fighting against us. We need to love them as Christ loved them and gave himself up for them; as He gave himself up for us too.
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
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