Very rarely is a nation ever one hundred percent unified on a matter. There are always differing popular opinions on policies and law. We find ourselves in a nation at war with itself. Lines aren’t drawn on a map but on hearts and minds. Bullets aren’t flying through the air, but truth has been weaponized to cause distrust and division. On those rare occasions when a nation is unified, it is because there is a common enemy. In this case there is, but people don’t see it. Our common enemy is sin, and Christ through His church has the answer to division and separation.
Sin is divisive in its nature. Sin will divide, separate, a man from God. “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear” (Isa. 59:2). It was God who “brought us near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13). If we remain in sin, we are in darkness and are separated from God. But “He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:13-14).
Sin will also divide, separate, a man from his/her better self. “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please” (Gal. 5:17). When Paul was speaking about this matter he said, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Rom. 7:19-24). The response, “Thanks be to God” (Rom. 7:25).
Sin can also divide, separate, a man from his family. “They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother…” (Luke 12:53). Sin, such as materialism, partiality, and immorality caused division in the homes of Lot (Gen. 19), Isaac (Gen. 27-28), Jacob (Gen. 37), David (2 Sam. 13; 15) and Hosea (Hos. 2-3).
Sin will divide, separate, a man from his brethren. “Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For…by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Rom. 16:17-18).
As Christians, we need to stand up against sin and help others around us. Many are falling prey to the silent war of the heart and soul. We should not be the source of division but of reconciliation. It is imperative that we exemplify a united front against sin and have hearts open to the lives of those around us. Sin separates. How are we helping people come back to God?