The U.S. Government has been shut down (sort of) because of
the inability of Congress to agree on a budget. House Republicans will only
approve a budget that defunds Obamacare, and Senate Democrats will only approve
one that defends Obamacare.
In situations like these there must be a compromise. Both
parties must be willing to give up some things in order to satisfy both groups.
When a compromise cannot be reached, the Government cannot perform all of its
functions.
This shutdown does not mean disaster for America; in fact,
it’s the 18th shutdown in our history. But if the shutdown is not
resolved, that will end in disaster. What we are seeing on Capitol Hill is
exactly what Jesus said would happen:
“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And
if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”
Mark 3:24-25
Jesus went on to talk about the danger of blaspheming the
Holy Spirit; His context was not political, but the truth still applies. No
kingdom, government, household, or church can stand when it is divided against
itself.
Let the Government shutdown serve as a warning to the church
of Jesus Christ that we will suffer a similar fate if we think we can exist as
a divided body. Congressional approval ratings are embarrassingly low because
people dislike the fighting.
Do they think the same thing when they look at the church?
Do they hear argumentation over song selection, instrumentation, Greek
pronunciation, and interior decoration? Occasionally churches split over
doctrinal differences, but more often than not the fighting is over superficial
cosmetics.
No matter what church you attend, seek to live peaceably
with all people, and work to resolve all differences in love. If you simply can’t
worship in a building that has green carpet instead of your desired blue, then
go find a building with blue carpet; don’t split the green-carpeted church on
your way out.
America has seen enough church shutdowns. What they need is
a church that seeks to fulfill the Great Commission and serves as the hands and
feet of Jesus on earth.
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