People are often united by the things they believe in and agree with. Be it politics, business, movies or everyday life, those who have the same opinions often come together in unity. That's good, right?
But when the topic is about Jesus, people often find themselves divided, especially when the people having the conversation are composed of both believers and non-believers. In fact, there are times when even Christians get divided when the topic is Christ. Why is this?
Jesus Said It Himself
If you've ever asked that question, then you've got the answer right there in the Bible. In Matthew 10:34-36, Jesus Himself explained it:
"Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. 'I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!'"
The Lord Jesus Himself said that He came bringing a sword with Him. Of course we know that He came to destroy the work of the devil and cut the cords that entangled us in sin.
But what we should understand is that Christ Himself is the standard by whom we know those who really love God and those who don't.
Christ Brings Division
We see, friends, that Christ is the exact representation of the Father. He is the Word made flesh, the embodiment of all holiness, righteousness, justice, goodness, and love. And because He is the only way to God and the life God brings, we can clearly see those who are in Him and those who aren't.
Jesus went on to explain further in Matthew 10:37-39:
"If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it."
By this we see, friends, that when Christ is thrown into the scenario, things change: people get reminded of God, get convicted of their sin, and are challenged to pursue holiness. Those who follow Christ like it, but those who don't follow Him do not. Those who love truth, justice, righteousness and holiness love Christ, but those who don't avoid Him.
Simply put, Christ is the dividing line that separates those who obey and love God from those who don't. The question is, my friend, what side are you on?
I pray that you would choose Christ and follow Him with all your life.
