Today’s 333 Devotional: “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”

If we’re ever going to survive in this harsh world, we have to band together, both physically and spiritually.

“United We Stand, Divided We Fall” was a motto from the American Revolution. Later, as America was being ripped apart by the slavery debate, Abraham Lincoln used this same prophetic statement, but quoted the original source, Jesus.

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” (Matthew 12:25)

Jesus is saying that any kingdom, even Satan’s, and any house divided in what it stands for will eventually fall, which would apply to families, businesses, and even the church.

If we think God will somehow bless us when we’re divided, then we really don’t realize just how much division grieves the heart of God. The reason is because division undermines His work of grace.

It doesn’t matter how good or orthodox the doctrine might be, or how great the worship may be, unless division, strife, slander, and in-fighting are conquered, then it’s all in vain.

The Holy Spirit cannot bless where the Spirit of unity does not exist.

The unity of believers is a powerful testimony.

In His prayer Jesus said, “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me … May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:21, 23)

Unity also allows God’s church to function as He intended, because it’s by such unity that God pours out His grace.

Look at the first church.

“All the believers were one in heart and mind … (and) with great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:32-33)