So Much Division But Little Mercy

People are scared right now and as such they are allowing their fear to consume them to the point that they are reaching their breaking point and taking it out on their fellow citizens.  Anyone can go on YouTube and find endless cell-phone video footage of everyday people beating up on and berating those who refuse to live in fear.  When the mask mandates began, I saw a video of a guy in California just minding his own business eating lunch and a couple walked by and the woman flung a cup of scolding hot coffee on this gentleman because he wasn’t wearing a mask.  Of course, he then reacted and then the boyfriend of the woman wanted to fight him even though he didn’t do anything to start it. 

 

I remember at the time, shaking my head and thinking, “Is this truly what we have become?”  I saw women being stalked in supermarkets.  These individuals taking part in this type of behavior are unknowingly taking a stance of and playing into the persecution of others, not understanding that they are being led astray by an evil system that intends nothing but submission and eventually the intended demise of all of us. They engage in tantrums, profane laced insults and even physical assault toward those who do not go along with the fear-campaign that has been set forth by namely, the mainstream media and the hawkish celebrities also taking part in perpetuating it. Now we see politicians taking part in it.  It is one of Satan’s oldest tricks in the book; divide and conquer and a large majority of the public are taking part in it.  It has now gone as far as ruining families and friendships.  Thanksgiving in 2020 was a good indicator of this, not that we did not see it going there beforehand.  This in itself roots much deeper than safety.  It is about division and destroying us all if we continue to go down this path toward destruction.

 

The perpetual foot has been placed on the accelerator and the car is heading at full speed toward the cliff to it’s own destruction.  This has left many in fear for their own well-being and being worried needlessly, not realizing that their response to it is what will determine the outcome both short and long-term. 

 

We as God’s people have a choice to make and that line is being drawn right now.  Your choice is, to choose eternal life in Jesus Christ or to choose an eternity of darkness and death where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

 

Choose wisely.

 

The one thing I been observing for the better part of a year now (and even longer depending on the specific topic) has been the division taking place.  What first appeared to be simplistic examples are now going much deeper and a large majority of individuals appear to be complacent and marching right along with it not seeing that this root of the problem is spiritual and is creating a very slippery slope that continues to be watered down, frozen and repeated time and again. 

 

There has always been a problem with racism but I will tell you from my own experiences growing up as a child into adulthood, I got along with everyone.  I was not raised to see division in anyway whatsoever aside from discerning the difference between good and evil.  We need to be honest with ourselves and understand we have allowed these virtues to permeate every sector of our society.  The average person is not sitting around being resentful and feeling like someone owes them something just because that program on television says so.  The reality is, most people function and it is the media and now our politicians who have largely packaged and sold these problems to the public and then low and behold, are the same ones coming up with the solutions to the very problems they have orchestrated.  It’s sick and demonic and we as brothers and sisters in Christ need to be the wiser to the snares.  I don’t care what color skin you have, if you are a Christian then you ought to know better.  You cannot claim to be a follower of Christ and support these virtues.  The Word of God forbids it.

 

These are not my words; They are HIS and we are to abide in them. Period.  If you struggle with the Word as it is written, take it to the Lord in prayer and present your case to Him (Deuteronomy1:17).

 

We as God’s children are to be as one body working hand in hand and in agreement with one another.  We are not to be found dividing this body by;

 

• Criticizing one another
• Coveting
• Demanding reparations and revenge
• Endorsing sinful behavior or supporting laws making it common place
• Favoriting or favoritism
• Having filthy language
• HATING each other based on mere opinions or current events
• Idolizing a cause or leader (i.e. also bowing down to so-called ‘War-Lords’)

 

I’m sure I left a few off but that is enough to give a glimpse of what we now see.  The Word is clear that those partaking in this behavior will not inherit the kingdom of heaven (see Galatians 5 below).  What all of this is that we see playing out is a design to cause us to distrust and hate each other; We are being trained to become our own worst enemy without realizing it.  Gone is the mercy.  Gone is the peace and security we once enjoyed.  Gone is the love that once united us.  Everything is the opposite and we live under a cloud of uncertainty.  We have become the divided states because we claimed we could see but did not and thus, we allowed it.  It has now, by and large, become about pointing fingers back and forth rather than admitting that each of us has a part to play.  This doesn’t just end on main-street; It has entered into some of the churches and worse they call this ‘taking a stand’ where they too are making it a virtue and going right along with it.

 

There is an old broadcast that was done in 1965 by Paul Harvey called “If I Were The Devil.”  There is an audio version but here is the transcript as it was back then;

 

“If I were the devil … If I were the Prince of Darkness, I’d want to engulf the whole world in darkness. And I’d have a third of its real estate, and four-fifths of its population, but I wouldn’t be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree — Thee.  So I’d set about however necessary to take over the United States. I’d subvert the churches first — I’d begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: ‘Do as you please.’

 

“To the young, I would whisper that ‘The Bible is a myth.’ I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what’s bad is good, and what’s good is ‘square.’ And the old, I would teach to pray, after me, ‘Our Father, which art in Washington…’

 

“And then I’d get organized. I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting, so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting. I’d threaten TV with dirtier movies and vice versa. I’d pedal narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. I’d tranquilize the rest with pills.

 

“If I were the devil I’d soon have families that war with themselves, churches at war with themselves, and nations at war with themselves; until each in its turn was consumed. And with promises of higher ratings I’d have mesmerizing media fanning the flames. If I were the devil I would encourage schools to refine young intellects, but neglect to discipline emotions — just let those run wild, until before you knew it, you’d have to have drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every schoolhouse door.

 

“Within a decade I’d have prisons overflowing, I’d have judges promoting pornography — soon I could evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, and then from the houses of Congress. And in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and deify science. I would lure priests and pastors into misusing boys and girls, and church money. If I were the devil I’d make the symbols of Easter an egg and the symbol of Christmas a bottle.

 

“If I were the devil I’d take from those who have, and give to those who want until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious.

And what do you bet I could get whole states to promote gambling as the way to get rich? I would caution against extremes and hard work in Patriotism, in moral conduct. I would convince the young that marriage is old-fashioned, that swinging is more fun, that what you see on the TV is the way to be. And thus, I could undress you in public, and I could lure you into bed with diseases for which there is no cure. In other words, if I were the devil I’d just keep right on doing what he’s doing.

 

Paul Harvey, good day.”

 

Are you able to see where we are now?  

 

So as much as the evil powers that be seek to wreak havoc on an unsuspecting populace, then offer the solution which is always more control, I offer you the reader the truth that is the solution; embracing salvation in Jesus Christ and living by the Word of God as it is written.

 

Do not fall for the division.  If you are part of a church that promotes anything that is contrary to the Word, leave and don’t look back.  If you have friends that are dragging you into this type of behavior, don’t associate with them any longer.  You would be surprised at the new friends the Lord will place in your presence -He iw waiting for you to commit to righteous living first.  Be kind to those around you.  Show mercy to others; forgive them.  Help them where you are able.  To anyone who is mean-spirited toward you, show them kindness and pray that they will find the truth in Jesus Christ and be led to embrace His teachings. Lead by example and take no part in the evil deeds of those who don’t know any better.  Going a long with it is just as bad as doing it yourself because it shows complacency and therefore you are in agreement which the Word tells us not to do.  We are to have no part in it and be beyond reproach as we’re directed by the Lord to do.

 

Several times in my life, actually so many more than I can count, I have had to take the low road, meaning I had to humble myself to do the right thing in unfavorable situations where I felt I was dealt with unjustly by others.  These were situations where I put myself out there even at the expense of my own humility and was left in less than desirable scenarios.  I look back on those times and reflect what they meant as they were all part of doing what the spirit led me to do.  We are commanded to love others and do the right thing, regardless of reservations we may have.  Now obviously this does not mean putting up with repetition of someone who is outright cruel -there are those who present themselves as a clear and present danger. 

 

No, what I am talking about is being merciful on those who have wronged us in specific situations.  I recently mentioned a few of these in my blog titled ‘Enduring Through The Trials.’  No matter what I was faced with, I had to bite my tongue and bide my time and wait patiently for the Lord to deliver me from those situations and all of them were a strengthening of my faith and a lesson learned so that I may witness to you all in my writings.  We have to remember that love covers a multitude of sins, and, we are ALL sinners.  Nobody is perfect no matter how they try to present themselves for if we were perfect we wouldn’t need a savior.  When you struggle with these situations, always keep in mind the injustices Jesus was dealt and He still died as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins so that they may be forgiven.  That’s how much love He has for us and that is the example of living by the spirit of Christ and enduring through injustices.

 

It is my prayer that this blog has placed the spirit of conviction upon you to do the right thing if you aren’t already.  To embrace and be blessed by correct doctrine, and not falling for the lies and deception of the world we find ourselves. 

 

Jesus be with you. Thank you for reading.

 

Verses as they pertain to the above;

 

1 Corinthians 1: 10-11 (NLT)

¹⁰ I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. ¹¹ For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. 

 

1 Corinthians 11: 3, 18 (NKJV)

³ But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 

 

¹⁸ For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.

 

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

 

2 Timothy 2:19, 22-26 (NKJV)

¹⁹ Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

 

²² Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³ But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. ²⁴ And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, ²⁵ in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, ²⁶ and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

 

2 Timothy 3: 1-5 (NKJV)

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴ traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

 

1 John 2:18-19 (NKJV)

¹⁸ Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. ¹⁹ They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

 

1 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV)

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, ² as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

 

1 Peter 3: 8-9, 13-17 (NLT)

⁸ Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.  Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. ⁹ Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 

 

¹³ Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴ But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. ¹⁵ Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. ¹⁶ But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. ¹⁷ Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

 

1 Peter 2:12 (NLT)

¹² Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

 

1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)

⁸ Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

 

2 Samuel 16:12 (NLT)

¹² And perhaps the Lord will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today.”

 

Deuteronomy 1:17 (NKJV)

¹⁷ You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small as well as the great; you shall not be afraid in any man’s presence, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it.’

 

Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV)

²⁵ Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

 

Galatians 5: 16-26 (NLT)

¹⁶ So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. ¹⁷ The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. ¹⁸ But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

 

¹⁹ When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

 

²² But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

 

²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. ²⁵ Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

 

James 1: 19-20 (NKJV)

¹⁹ So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; ²⁰ for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

 

James 2:1 (NKJV)

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.

 

John 15: 9-14, 16-25 (NLT)

⁹ “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. ¹⁰ When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! ¹² This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. ¹³ There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command.

 

¹⁶ You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. ¹⁷ This is my command: Love each other.

 

¹⁸ “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. ¹⁹ The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 

 

²⁰ Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. ²¹ They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me. ²² They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. ²³ Anyone who hates me also hates my Father. ²⁴ If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. ²⁵ This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated me without cause.’

 

Luke 6: 27-28 (NKJV)

²⁷ “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸ bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.

 

Mark 3: 23-26 (NKJV)

²³ So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? ²⁴ If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵ And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. ²⁶ And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end.

 

Matthew 5: 9, 44 (NKJV)

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

 

Philippians 2:2 (NKJV)

² fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

 

Proverbs 25: 21-22 (NKJV)

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
²² For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,
And the Lord will reward you.

 

Romans 12: 14 (NKJV)

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

 

Romans 16: 17 (NKJV)

¹⁷ Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.