Only 45 percent of colonists picked up arms at any one time during their fight for freedom. More people lost their lives in this conflict than in our nation’s other wars. Some were innocent, in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The Civil War divided many families. The opposing ideologies splithomesapart. Fathers fought sons; brothers fought on both sides of the conflict, pitting brother against brother in battle, fighting to the death.
It was possible to identify on which side of the fence each stood by the uniform worn.
Some say we are more divided today than at any other time in our country’s history. If you doubt this, consider our current political division. The Presidential race has brought us to hatefulness, and an assassination attempt on July 13, 2024.
There’s no uniform way to determine which side Americans stand politically, but the discussion often leads to incivility.
Christians are called to worthy conduct in Christ “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Conduct unlike the world around them.
The apostle Paul expresses the need for unity. If only this could also be accomplished in society as in the church. Only Christian unity can affect societal unity. How is this possible?
When the people of God are fighting one another it brings disgrace upon the Lord Jesus who died for them, and for outsiders who see how Christians treat each other. Who would want to become part of a group that fights themselves?
Paul told the church in Rome to be submissive to governing authorities. This must have been a problem then, as it is now, or Paul wouldn’t need to write about it.
“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Romans 13:1). Had this truth ever come to you before? God “established” Russia? Yes! Maybe God wants us to appreciate what we Americans enjoy each day. Communist China? Yes! God wants you to know the freedom from sin that you can only have in Jesus!
Please look at the first few verses in Romans 13. “For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same” (Romans 13:3).
Would you like to live without fear? Respect and obey Jesus! And, respect and obey authority.