Two neighbors walked out into their backyard at the same time.  They turned to the other and greeted each other with salutations and inquiries.  Standing face to face, their long white picket fence reached both of their waists and they were able to chat about current events and pass some time.  One neighbor mentioned an event of concern that he saw on his social media stream and conveyed the information to the other neighbor.  They both expressed similar opinions about the event, nodding in agreement, and proceeded back into their respective houses.

Some time had passed and the two neighbors, once again walked out into their backyard at the same time.  As they turned to each other to greet and inquire about the other’s life, both noticed that the fence was at chest height.  Although neither had done this, they both shrugged it off as an inobservance, and began to talk about the latest incident that was trending in the news.  One neighbor expressed horror at the situation and his disdain for the people responsible.  The other neighbor, a bit perturbed by his neighbor’s take on the issue, rebuked his neighbor and spoke his opinion on the matter.  Both neighbors, irritated at the other…but not angry, went back into their respective houses.

Some time had passed and the two neighbors, walked again out into their backyards at the same time.  As they turned to each other to greet and inquire about the other’s life, both were taken aback that the fence was somehow now at chin level.  Though they could still see each other, they were puzzled as to how the fence was raised.  Not wanting to be the one to mention the odd situation, as both thought the other had done it, they proceeded to discuss the latest tragedy that had occurred and was trending on their social media streams.

The first neighbor, emotional about the discussion by now, expressed his hatred of the political movement taking place and became very assertive about his mistrust of anyone who agreed with them. The other neighbor, who was also very emotional by now, retorted that he believed in the soundness of the ideas expressed by the political movement.  He became argumentative and aggressive about his views and was very disturbed that his neighbor was being so ignorant and ill-informed.  The two neighbors argued vehemently for over 30 minutes, each touting being right while yelling at the other that he was “clearly wrong.”  They both ended the argument when neighbors on either sides of them could hear them fighting and came out to see what was wrong. The two neighbors went angrily back into their respective houses.

Some time had passed and the two neighbors walked out into their backyard at the same time.  They both noticed that for some strange reason their white picket fence was too tall to see over.  Neither said a word to the other.  They both shook their heads in disgust at each other and went back into their respective houses.

Division destroys. Division isolates. Division creates chaos. Jesus not only understood the effects of division, but instructed his disciples to avoid it…at all costs. The following scriptures speak to the importance of unity and the evil of division:

Luke 11:17 “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.” (NIV)

Romans 16:17 “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.  Keep away from them.” (NIV)

1 Corinthians 1:10 “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (NIV)

1 John 2:9 “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” (NIV)

John 17:21 “…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.  May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (NIV)

Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (NIV)

Let those of us who follow Jesus be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19) and speak in love. More knowledge and understanding can be achieved by listening to opinions that are different than our own, and engaging in thoughtful, mature discourse. Nothing will be accomplished through criticizing, arguing and disrespecting opinions that we do not agree with.

We are light-bearers, commissioned by God to preach the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus. We are more effective when we don’t judge, but share our testimony and give the reasons for our hope in Christ, in “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

Don’t be like the neighbors…slowly growing cold, angry and frustrated with others. Be the light and love of God that they need, instead.

Blessings…vw1.