How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished!
—Mark 3:23-26
How insightful and clever of Jesus to respond in that way. How wise of Lincoln to recognize that the words of Jesus were applicable in his day. How foolish we are when we cannot see how these words apply to our daily lives.
In a general sense dysfunctional families could be described as a house divided against itself. A child appeals to dad who overturns mom’s previous answer (or vice versa). The parents argue. Or, dad confides in one of his kids criticizing mom (or vice versa). Divided house.
Unresolved anger, constant disagreements and arguments; unwarranted criticism. He does his thing, she does her thing. Divided house.
Churches may be dysfunctional when there are unresolved differences in the leadership. Division in leadership will inevitably divide the congregation.
When a church is divided, whether it is because of the leaders, biblical teachings, prejudice, gossip or anything else, it no longer functions as “a pillar and support of truth.” It cannot grow spiritually and it cannot grow numerically. Young people are not fooled; they are not blind to the hypocrisy among adults; many (most) will leave a divided church. Divided house.
Did you know that a person can actually be a divided house? I am thinking about a person who is constantly battling decisions of the heart with no solution. For one person the battle is ongoing temptation. The evil is so alluring that she is determined to indulge, yet she does not wish to violate her conscience. Divided house.
For another person it is an honest but naïve struggle to know God’s will for himself. Indecision paralyzes him; he want a sign. He is afraid to live and becomes ineffective in God’s kingdom. Divided mind; divided house.
The good thing is that a divided house can be repaired. God has appealed to families in His word by describing the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives, of parents, of children. God has described the roles and responsibilities of church leaders. He has also instructed His people on how to love one another and preserve unity in the family of God.
God has clearly described His will for His people and it applies to every individual. You’ll not find any kind of “Moses, deliver my people” message directed to you by name. So, you are free to choose a college, a career, a mate, a mission, or whatever. Just choose. Live for God.
The idea of Satan casting out Satan is almost laughable. Yet among God’s people a house divided against itself is quite sad. A house divided does not stand...it will be destroyed.
Do you know how to repair a divided house?
Open the Bible and find your role as it applies to your divided house (family, church, self). Then, in humble faith accept your role just as God has instructed...and live for God.
Mark Stinnett
In a general sense dysfunctional families could be described as a house divided against itself. A child appeals to dad who overturns mom’s previous answer (or vice versa). The parents argue. Or, dad confides in one of his kids criticizing mom (or vice versa). Divided house.
Unresolved anger, constant disagreements and arguments; unwarranted criticism. He does his thing, she does her thing. Divided house.
Churches may be dysfunctional when there are unresolved differences in the leadership. Division in leadership will inevitably divide the congregation.
When a church is divided, whether it is because of the leaders, biblical teachings, prejudice, gossip or anything else, it no longer functions as “a pillar and support of truth.” It cannot grow spiritually and it cannot grow numerically. Young people are not fooled; they are not blind to the hypocrisy among adults; many (most) will leave a divided church. Divided house.
Did you know that a person can actually be a divided house? I am thinking about a person who is constantly battling decisions of the heart with no solution. For one person the battle is ongoing temptation. The evil is so alluring that she is determined to indulge, yet she does not wish to violate her conscience. Divided house.
For another person it is an honest but naïve struggle to know God’s will for himself. Indecision paralyzes him; he want a sign. He is afraid to live and becomes ineffective in God’s kingdom. Divided mind; divided house.
The good thing is that a divided house can be repaired. God has appealed to families in His word by describing the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives, of parents, of children. God has described the roles and responsibilities of church leaders. He has also instructed His people on how to love one another and preserve unity in the family of God.
God has clearly described His will for His people and it applies to every individual. You’ll not find any kind of “Moses, deliver my people” message directed to you by name. So, you are free to choose a college, a career, a mate, a mission, or whatever. Just choose. Live for God.
The idea of Satan casting out Satan is almost laughable. Yet among God’s people a house divided against itself is quite sad. A house divided does not stand...it will be destroyed.
Do you know how to repair a divided house?
Open the Bible and find your role as it applies to your divided house (family, church, self). Then, in humble faith accept your role just as God has instructed...and live for God.
Mark Stinnett
March 1, 2020
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are welcome from all readers. Please be respectful toward others who post comments. Choose your words wisely.