Matthew 12

"Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand." (Matt 12:25)

When challenged on His authority to exercise demons, Christ responses with a pivotal statement. If He used Satan's power to cast out Satan's kingdom workers, how would that kingdom stand? If indeed He wasn't empowered by Satan, then His power would necessarily come from another source, God above, and His authority would bring implied conviction upon those whom have spoken against Him.

Well, obviously this is exactly what He's getting at. But let's not leave this wisdom confined to a solitary moment in Christ's ministry. This principle is applicable to so much beyond demonic exorcism. It applies to all areas of our lives as well! Any kingdom divided will not stand. Implication: Any family divided in aim, purpose, and commitment will experience turmoil. Any marriage where husband and wife are not on the same page will struggle. Any church with schism will see frustration.

It's no wonder that Paul speaks out against such divisions in the Corinthian church, and no wonder why Christ prays for unity among His disciples and those who would follow afterwards.

Now, one obvious way to avoid division is to voice no clear tenets or purpose. Many churches and families do this by way of laziness or fear. Without clear definitions, there is little to find at odds. This is the easy route, but my question is what does it produce? Status quo and a shallow existence, for starters.

The other way is the road less traveled. It is where beliefs and purpose are etched out. It is where purpose and vision are committed to and pursued with purpose. It is where confrontation may lead to division, but hopefully, by Christ's power, to personal growth and conviction. It results in something on which to stand and something worth seeking. I once heard that if we haven't discovered something worth dying for then we lack something to worth living for.

Do you know of divisions between you and your spouse, or church, or family? Scripture is clear about what it will bring. My challenge is not to let these things fester, or sit unambiguously silent. Any snare the enemy can use against you, he will, given the time and opportunity.

Are we kingdoms united or divided? It will tell us a lot about where we are headed.