Of Kingdoms and Internal Conflicts
"When you see discord amongst the troops of your enemy, be of good courage; but if they are united, then be upon your guard. When you see contention amongst your enemies, go and sit at ease with your friends; but when you see them of one mind, string your bow, and place stones upon the ramparts." -Moslih Eddin Saadi
"Inflict not on an enemy every injury in your power, for he may afterwards become your friend." -Moslih Eddin Saadi
Usually I do not follow politics, but I have had a few thoughts on recent events. The quotes above come to mind when looking at the current presidential race. Because of the infighting between the democratic candidates, it seems as if they are forming separate camps who are vehemently opposed to one another. I have even heard supporters of one or the other democratic candidate saying they would sooner vote for McCain than for the other democrat. I wonder if intra-party reconciliation will be possible before the election takes place. For this reason, among others, I believe McCain is most likely to attain the presidency. Only time will tell...
More importantly, this brings me into the next point. The reason I believe the democratic party's lack of unity will feature so prominently in the outcome of the presidential election is because I have seen the effects of disharmony in Christianity. I have witnessed a chaotic message springing forth from each tribe and sect in the Kingdom of God, each purporting to have the corner on truth, touting one doctrine over another, and each group decrying or ignoring the others. What the world hears is so much noise pollution. It has become a cacophony of voices with no clear meaning. We have too often crippled the gospel because we choose correctness over brotherhood, loyalty to brands and sets of truths rather than to Truth himself. The church, at least in America, has lost its focus; the clear message is Christ. If we shout his name in one voice, the world will hear it. May God have mercy and make us one.
"Inflict not on an enemy every injury in your power, for he may afterwards become your friend." -Moslih Eddin Saadi
Usually I do not follow politics, but I have had a few thoughts on recent events. The quotes above come to mind when looking at the current presidential race. Because of the infighting between the democratic candidates, it seems as if they are forming separate camps who are vehemently opposed to one another. I have even heard supporters of one or the other democratic candidate saying they would sooner vote for McCain than for the other democrat. I wonder if intra-party reconciliation will be possible before the election takes place. For this reason, among others, I believe McCain is most likely to attain the presidency. Only time will tell...
More importantly, this brings me into the next point. The reason I believe the democratic party's lack of unity will feature so prominently in the outcome of the presidential election is because I have seen the effects of disharmony in Christianity. I have witnessed a chaotic message springing forth from each tribe and sect in the Kingdom of God, each purporting to have the corner on truth, touting one doctrine over another, and each group decrying or ignoring the others. What the world hears is so much noise pollution. It has become a cacophony of voices with no clear meaning. We have too often crippled the gospel because we choose correctness over brotherhood, loyalty to brands and sets of truths rather than to Truth himself. The church, at least in America, has lost its focus; the clear message is Christ. If we shout his name in one voice, the world will hear it. May God have mercy and make us one.