Divided We Stand
Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States and principal author of the “Declaration of Independence”. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The conflict in the two-party system under the newly established constitution was an early indication of the division the United States would face throughout its history. Jefferson's presidency was fraught with dissent. His Republican party favored less government more state responsibility and the Federalist party wanted more federal control less state interference. The conflict led to the brink of civil war. If this sounds eerily familiar it shouldn't, dissension has been in play from the beginning. Men simply cannot be in full agreement on anything. Not only that, we are prolific liars if it suits our interests. Jefferson who pinned the sterling proclamation above owned 600 slaves throughout his life. No unalienable right there! Laws instigated by men are imperfect at best, and cannot be relied upon to solve problems or create unity where division is the norm.
Joshua and Caleb were the only 2 original Israelites that made it to the promised land from the bondage of Egypt. Some 3 million Jews left Egypt under the leadership of Moses arriving at their destination 2 years later. The two young men were part of a 12 man team sent from the wilderness to scout the land God had promised them. When they returned from their mission only Joshua and Caleb had a good report. “The Lord loves us. He will bring us safely into the land and give it to us.” (Num.14:8) The people dissented, turning on Joshua, Caleb and Moses. Three people believed God, 3 million did not. That is probably close to the ratio of believers vs. non-believers today. As a result of their decision, the Jews wandered without direction for 38 more years. Finally, after 40 years in the desert, they entered the promised land under the leadership of Joshua. Joshua and Caleb took God at His word and believed it to be the supreme rule of law above all men. When the wandering Jews broke up to start their new lives in the land of milk and honey Joshua left them with one last redeeming directive. “But if you are unwilling to obey the Lord, then decide today whom you will obey. Will it be the gods of your ancestors beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites here in this land? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” (Jos. 24:15)
When Adam traded his dominion to Satan for the knowledge of good and evil he opened the floodgates for dissent. Joshua was clear in his directive, we either serve the God of this world or the God of creation, it's our choice, there is no middle ground. The God of this world leads to Hell, the God of creation leads to an incredible world of eternal wonder and well-being. Even Jesus acknowledged the division his berth would bring. “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! No, rather, a sword. I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law a man’s worst enemies will be right in his own home!”(Matt 10:34-36) If you take a stand against the God of this world you risk persecution. Jesus is simply clarifying there are only two paths to follow, one is good the other is evil. As believers, the only decision we need to make is that God's Word is supreme. God’s Word has always created division but Christians are compelled to take a stand against evil regardless of persecution. Therefore, Divided we Stand! For more about your role as a Christian read “Beam me up Commander,” it's free.
