Hating Distrust

Last weekend’s events of in Charlottesville, Virginia remind us of the world in which we live.  No, I am not saying that the violence was in any way understandable, defendable or excusable, my point is to demonstrate the lengths to which the world (aka satan) will go to do to divide people and fuel the fires of distrust.  The devil is such an advocate of hate and evil that he can convince people to believe that violence based upon differences has a place in his world.  As I watched the conflicts unfold last weekend it was just another reminder of how satan is using discord to promote his agenda and ensnare his minions.  
Throughout time satan has exercised his influence to divide and conquer.  It began with Cain and Able when he used “religion” (a sacrifice) to condone murder.  He manipulated the enmity between two kinsmen, Jacob and Esau, to drive a wedge between neighbors that continues today.  The churches in the region of Galatia had to overcome the issues of divergent backgrounds and the church in Corinth had to tear down the walls of separatism before they could be pleasing to God.  The distrust that came to a head in Virginia is nothing new – in fact, it is one of the devil’s most common ploys. 
As I thought through the vile that spewed last week I experienced mixed emotions.  On one hand I was infuriated by all the garbage – the blaming, the finger-pointing, the conflict, the hate, the distrust – that continues to divide our nation.  Yet, on the other hand, I was so proud of this congregation.  We live in the same world as those people (and have many differences of opinions), but we co-exist in love and unity.  We consist of men and women.  We welcome multiple races and nationalities.  We have staunch Republicans and liberal Democrats who have agreed to set aside our differences in the Name of Jesus Christ.  We have unity in our spiritual beliefs and tolerance on social and political issues.  No, we may not all agree on everything, but we have allowed love to define us.
When the Apostle Paul encouraged the church in Ephesus he reminded believers throughout the ages of the need to be unified when he wrote,
“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism,  one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:1-6)
I praise God for the spirit He gave this church and I pray that others will allow Him to work in them.  Unity and love are the answer.

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