Unity in the Body

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Scripture

But He knew their thoughts and said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls.
(Luke 11:17 NASB)
But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
(Luke 11:28 NASB)

Observation

Jesus had the power to cast out demons and this disturbed the religious leaders of the day. They decided that the power that he had gained must have come from Satan himself. Jesus pointed out to them the ridiculous nature of that claim. Why would Satan work against himself? It doesn't even make sense because even if that's done as a pretense it becomes self-destructive. However, in all of this was a lesson because on the other hand, the religious leaders were being critical of one who was being obedient in the kingdom of God. Why would you be critical of someone who is working to build the kingdom? When the kingdom of God is divided, Jesus was warning them, it would fail. Then he reminded them that obedience to the word of God is the most vital. Their behavior was divisive to God's kingdom, and they knew it.

Application

Why is it so easy to jump onto the bandwagon of division? It seems that this is the number one ploy of the Enemy when it comes to the Kingdom of God and the life of the Church. If the Enemy can get us to turn on one another, then he divides the house, and the house will fail.

The Enemy is known as the "great deceiver" and he uses his powers of deceit in very clever ways. One of the best ways is to convince people that attacking the Kingdom will make the Kingdom a better place. Surely if we can "beat" this organization into shape!

Jesus' advice was to spend time in the word, and be obedience to the leading of the word. When we focus on the word and the ability of the word to transform us and mold us into his image, then our critical nature will be tamed. Rather than looking at others, we will look at ourselves and realize our own short-comings and the things that need to be adjusted by God, himself in our own lives. We will seek unity in the body, and ask what we can do to bring peace and direction without destruction.
This is what Jesus intends for his children -- unity in the body. What was Jesus' message for those who did not obey this truth? That they might just clean house, but if they didn't fill it with the things of the kingdom, the demons would return seven-fold and fill that house and make it worse than it ever was before.

This is the result of division and deceit. May we, as God's people, be set free from the blinders of deceit and the spirit of criticism. We must stop tearing down our own house and be obedient to the word, and accountable for our own personal walk with Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Lord, please continue to mold me in obedience to your word. Amen.

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