Psalm 133:1 “A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
How decent people love to dwell together in unity! It makes life fun and enjoyable and pleasant. It gets us up in the morning with a smile on our face and a love for the human race. Of course, as humans, we have different likes and dislikes, of course we have the right to prefer blue over red, or red over blue, and on that goes. As somewhat mature adults, we work together over likes and dislikes and maintain unity. We treasure and strive for unity at church, unity at home, unity in our friendships, unity in our communities, and unity in our nation. And surely God is pleased when we all get along. I believe all of the above.
But then, the Bible says some other things, such as Proverbs 22:10 “Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.” And Romans 16:17 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Then there is 2 John 10 “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:” So God says (and it must be correct) that it will enhance unity if we cast out the scorner,
that we are to avoid those who cause division, and that false doctrine is not to be supported; as in, don’t invite them in and don’t bid them God speed. There are times when unity is at least temporarily impossible to achieve, and when unity is therefore not to be given highest priority.
I have accepted the LORD Jesus Christ as an equal part of the Godhead. Jesus Christ is “God manifest in the flesh” (1 Tim 3:16). I cannot have true religious unity with those who deny Christ’s deity. I am an American, I love America, and I do not have true unity with those who dishonor the American Flag and/or the National Anthem. I love and respect our law enforcement officers, and I cannot have true unity with those who throw bricks at them, shoot them, or verbally disparage them from inches away from their faces. And we can dispense with the discussion of how logically wrong those are who espouse opposing viewpoints to Christ, to America, and to our law enforcement personnel, for it usually becomes fruitless. They have their right to express their views (but not with violence or verbal assault) and I would suppose they would strongly support my freedom of thought and speech, since they so boldly exercise and express their own.
I just want nothing to do with them other than to hand them a tract and to tell them sincerely and prayerfully that Jesus saves. According to the Bible, if you reject Jesus you go to a hellish Lake of Fire. (No unity there.) According to common sense, if you hate America and love Marxism, you should renounce your citizenship and move to a Marxist country. (No unity there.) And according to me, if you do not support our officers of the law who provide our peace and security at personal risk of life and limb, you’re just plain stupid. (Not much unity there.)
Love to you all,
Pastor