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Government Shutdown

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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