The only place in the world there is perfect peace and unity is the cemetery. Although as Christians our goal should be to fulfill Jesus’ prayer from John 17 — to become one just like the Father and the Son are one, we are not there yet. Having differences is not necessarily wrong. But, like the first two brothers mentioned in the Bible, the differences were and can be carried too far. Healthy conversations from different perspectives can and should be a very constructive thing.

My limited understanding of the history of the forming of our Republic is the awareness that there were originally two very strong, opposing factions. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams spent years in bitter rivalry before they were finally reconciled. They were two of the greatest leaders who fought for the freedoms and liberties we now enjoy. Did you know that these two men died on the same day — July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years from the day they both signed The Declaration of Independence?

There are some basic principles that we would do well to implement if we ever have hope of bring our country into unity. Certainly violence or even rude, argumentative conversations are doing more harm than good. That kind of conduct will never bring us to the table of reason where we can unify around redemptive actions. Humility and forgiveness along with a lot of patience can pave the way. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) Discord can be resolved when both sides of an issue are willing to work together for the common good of the whole. Learning to really hear one another takes time together and the desire and motive to really hear the other person who may appear to be at the opposite end of the argument or issue at hand. One of the reasons our constitution is set up the way it is, is to allow different ways to deal with conflicts. Most of the issues are to be resolved on a local or statewide level. We are to come together as the United States for issues that affect the whole country, like the threat of war or invasion from a foreign country.

We are most definitely in a very critical time in the history of our country. Even strong spiritual leaders are divided and seem to be unwilling to come together for the sake of the majority. I am not sure what it will take for us to realize we are supposed to be on the same side. Our enemy, Satan, seems to be more united in his evil plans to kill, steal and destroy mankind.

On one side, we are ripe for another Great Awakening and a great harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God. But on the other side, we are ripe for civil war, anarchy and mayhem, which we have already seen demonstrated on the streets of some of our major cities around the country. The scriptures unfold one of the parables that Jesus taught about the wheat and the tares. Both are sown in the same field, which is the world (the tares are sown by the enemy). But at harvest time, the tares are gathered together first and then the wheat. As I just stated, the evil side seems to be far more united than believers are currently. We want to see a mighty harvest of souls, and we shall. But the tares are now unifying but for the Lord’s purposes ultimately.

One way or the other, God will unite the true church, His Bride. Is that everyone who currently calls themselves a Christian? The word of God has quite a bit to say about “stumbling blocks” within the Kingdom. I cannot answer these questions for anyone but myself. I know that my desire is to see us united as one voice against our very real enemy, Satan. My heart is tremendously grieved to see those who profess to be believers, especially spiritual leaders, who are very divisive and do not seem to be willing to come together and actually listen to another perspective than their own. I pray for them but I also fear for them if they continue to bring more division into the current climate in our country.

The early church began to have problems right at the very beginning. One had to do with natural provision for those who were needy. Because of the quick growth of the new church body, some were being neglected or overlooked. This was brought to the attention of the apostles who then called for the believers to select seven godly men to take care of this situation. The names of a majority of these men were Greek and those who had been overlooked in the food distribution were also of Greek decent. The early church made sure this dissension was dealt with quickly and properly. (Acts 6)

The other problem area was more doctrinal or theological in nature. The very strict religious Jews tried to impose their beliefs on the new Gentile converts. The potential for division became so heated that the apostolic leadership in Jerusalem convened to hear the mind of the Lord on this matter. Their ability to hear the Lord’s solution brought great peace between a majority of the new believers, both Jewish and Gentile and became the standard for every new outreach and gospel endeavor. (Acts 11 and 15)

If we are going to find solutions to the racial issues that have plagued our country for most of its existence, we are going to have to come together around a table of humility and peace. In fact, there needs to be many of these kinds of tables or formats throughout our community and every community that truly wants to see change. Actions need to follow the wisdom that will come forth as a result of different segments of our community coming together for the purpose getting the mind and wisdom of the Lord.

Not everyone can or needs to be a part of the discussions that need to take place, but it is certainly the responsibility of every one of us that say we are Christians and follow the Word of God to pray for our leaders to hear the mind of the Lord. I want to challenge each of us to dedicate a few minutes a day to pray for those who are called to help change this community to be the city that God has already called it to be — a City set on a Hill. Thomasville can be a forerunner in this strategy, so that other cities will follow our example. A city on a hill will be seen from the distance when the lights are burning brightly — all over the city — not just in certain sections. Come on Thomasville — let’s unite and see our city be a beacon of light for Him.