Division & DiversionSample

Division and Diversion - Satan’s Scheme by Bryan Craig DAY THREE Scripture:  “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”  1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV Thought: Paul is speaking to divisions in the Church that he knows are dangerous.  He is telling them, and us, that we should be in full agreement with other believers as we live out God’s mission.  This is hard to understand because we see so many differences of opinions in the church.  But Paul is saying it is possible.  I think of the verse that says, "If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19 There is a power in agreement in Christ.  And I believe this can happen through prayer.  If we are praying with fellow believers, the Holy Spirit will bring us into unity and keep us from division. Application:  Are we praying with fellow believers, especially in times of disagreement?  This goes for our spouses, our kids, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Think about areas in our spiritual life where we are in disagreement with someone.  Write this down in our journal, along with a prayer, asking the Lord to help us find common ground. Response:  Let’s strive for unity and not division, so we will glorify God and not fall into the devil’s trap.  What tangible act of unity is God asking us to lead the way on today? Let’s wrestle with it in our journals, but then, let’s take an action step.  Blessed are the peacemakers.