Dangers of Divisiveness

Sometimes, folks are disagreeable … just to be disagreeable. Always looking for a fight. Never considering a resolution.

We’ve even heard many times of late, “Agree to Disagree,” as if that resolves any divisiveness. It doesn’t. It’s just a passive-aggressive comment that continues to foster the polarization.

On Thursday, July 30, during John Lewis’ funeral, former President George W. Bush said something that all of us who are inclined to “be disagreeable” or “agree to disagree” should consider.

“Differences of opinion are evidence of democracy in action.”

George W. Bush, July 30, 2020

THESE POLITICS … these divide us as a people. Most of us would say outloud, “I hate politics.” And yet, we get sucked in to the entrapments of arguments, and controversies and “siding up” based on one issue or another rather than coming together/listening and understanding how we can live and breathe with each other more productively. Truly, no one or no document says that we have to “conform to the same opinion” about all matters. But, in those varying opinions, we should be able to discuss, and find some “common ground” or “common unity” that brings us together, rather than walking away in an “agree to disagree” non-productive complacency.

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to his Greek convert, Titus, whom he left in Crete to keep things going in the ministry and church there. In this letter, Paul advises Titus of things concerning church leadership, overcoming divisions in the community (including families and friends), and understanding the “WHY” it is necessary to find ways to live amongst others with grace, civility and respect.

In Chapter 3 of Titus, he tells his disciple to remind the people to be respectful of government leadership and to be “law-abiding.” Without a doubt, there are times when in a democracy we are allowed and even required to stand against injustices and matters that are harmful to the lives and liberties of citizens. But Paul stresses that “God’s PEOPLE” or those who believe in God are to “be ready to do whatever is good.”

“… to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”

Titus 3:2 (NIV)

In the following verses, I have to find “common ground” with Paul as he reminds Titus of how “at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.” WOW! Ain’t that the truth of each of us … regardless of our “bent” in politics or religion or just plain ol’ existence in this world. But he acknowledges and encourages Titus to do so as well, that it is by God’s MERCY and GRACE (not by any good works, good thoughts, good intentions of their own — of our own) that their hearts were renewed and motivations were changed and basically … life perspectives should be different.

In verse 9, Paul stressed to “avoid foolish controversies … arguments and quarrels about the law — BECAUSE THESE ARE UNPROFITABLE and USELESS. (NIV) He speaks plainly (in all versions or translations) exactly how to deal with one of those persistently disagreeable people.

“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.”

Titus 3:10-11

And then in verse 14, Paul extended one final admonition for Titus to share with the people,

“Our people have to learn to be diligent in their work so that all necessities are met (especially among the needy) and they don’t end up with nothing to show for their lives.”

Titus 3:14 (The Message)

In my opinion, the overall and overwhelming message that Paul is trying to drive home is … IF WE SPEND ALL OUR TIME BEING DISAGREEABLE then we will have no time (or energy) to do the things that truly matter.

Again, if one has ever studied Paul’s life and his letters, you have to recognize that this was not a man who stuck his head in the sand and avoided opportunities or situations that required “speaking TRUTH” to power and to groups who were simply “hell-bent” on division. He suffered for it too … but he kept on doing whatever the situations required. He “pressed on” with purpose and calling … doing good and getting into “good trouble” when necessary — not to divide, but to foster and build up community.