United In Christ We Stand.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Our family loves to watch Marvel movies.  The action films always tell the story of good versus evil, and depict complex, yet often flawed characters.  In the movie Captain America: Civil War, there is discord within the Avengers’ ranks, and two opposing sides form.  The once unified team ends up fighting each other instead of focusing on their mission to protect the world.

There is so much division around the globe today.  Not only does it exist within our world and our country, but also among our families and the Christian church.

This ongoing strife is nothing new nor unique to this generation.  For years, conflict has existed amid and between nations, tribes and Christian factions.  The enemy loves to sow seeds of discord because it facilitates destruction from within.

The founding fathers of the United States also warned against division, acknowledging that if our nation was to be destroyed, it would be from within.  After the recent election cycle, America is still deeply divided. Bitterness, hate and rage have consumed so many.

Similar to today’s society, there were many divisions based upon ethnic, political and cultural backgrounds within the early Christian church. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he urged the faithful to remain unified in their witness and mission for Christ, lest they destroy themselves and His message.

Just like the heroes in many action movies, we are human and imperfect.  We are often caught in the middle of disharmony, and if we are honest – we are frequently part of the cause.

Disagreements will always exist within our lives, whether among family members, nations or the church.  It is when those differences start to bitterly divide and destroy that evil wins.

My prayer today is that we, as Christians, remain unified in the ultimate message of salvation, and that we strive for peace in all of our relationships.

 ^“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 15:5-6 English Standard Version

Photo and Text Copyright: Darcia Kunkel