I have a theory about the root of division among people and it’s much more simple than nuanced ideologies and trained predispositions. We are simply different than each other and differences are often abrasive. Think about this: when we meet someone for the first time, do we start by looking for some kind of common ground to build from? As we take in the words they are saying, something jumps out that we have in common and we latch onto that as a springboard into further conversation, right? When there is nothing in common, no shared interest or mutual histories, the conversation eventually comes to an awkward end and we go our separate ways.

As I was driving across the 10th Street Bridge earlier this week, this thought came to my mind that seemed prideful at least, but downright rude and prejudiced at worst. Why can’t people be more like me? That sounds like an awful thought, doesn’t it? But if you think about the times you’ve been frustrated with someone or their actions, isn’t that the kind of thing that’s at the root of why you are frustrated? Many people are frustrated by other drivers on the road: use your turn signal! Can you go any slower?! Why are you stopping at that green light?! All of those thoughts are basically saying, “Why can’t you drive like me?” What if your child doesn’t clean up after they eat… “Why can’t you be like me and keep things tidy?” Or maybe your spouse expresses their stress loudly through body language and vocal expressions… “Why can’t you chill out and relax, like me?”

I don’t know anyone who would actually say that, but our thoughts (and sometimes our words and actions) reflect that high view of self and low view of others. And that underlying thread ties to more divisive issues as well. Frustrations become unadulterated anger. Annoyance becomes animosity. Uncomfortable feelings become aggressive actions. In calling out the wrong in others, even if only in our minds, we paint ourselves to be self-righteous.

There are times when the wrong action/inaction of others needs to be called out. It’s even good to be angry about them and take action against some of the greater wrongs that are being carried out around us. If it angers and/or saddens God, it should anger/sadden us as well. But the smaller frustrations and such might be well quenched when we ask ourselves another question. When I look at myself, what ought to be changed so I can be more like Christ?

…first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Matthew 7:5 (LSB)

The Apostle Paul wrote that he considered himself to be the worst of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). This is the same Paul that suggested the Corinthians imitate him as he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Although he recognized his own shortfalls, it’s as if he was saying, “Why can’t you be like the parts of me that are like Christ?”

In an age where diversity is embraced and coexistent tolerance has been redefined to mean agreeing with an opposing ideology, there is a dividing line that causes more abrasion when we try to cross it as Christians. It is the line between disciples of Christ and the rest of the world. While there is a spectrum of sanctification for those who have been sanctified by Christ, there is also a spectrum of openness to the Gospel on the other side of the line.

Looking at the words of Jesus in Matthew 7, He encourages us to address the greater imperfections in ourselves before attempting to help our brother (fellow disciple) with their lesser imperfection. He goes on to caution His disciples from trying to offer holiness to those who are closed off to the Gospel.

“Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with what measure you measure, it will be measured to you. And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4r how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Matthew 7:1-6 (LSB)

If division is rooted in differences, then the dividing line between the Church and the world means that there will never be unity between disciples of Christ and the rest of the world.

If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me.

John 15:18-21 (LSB)

But even with our many differences within the Church, we embrace our fellow disciples because of the unity we find in Christ. And the prayer of Jesus, Himself, was that our unity in Him would lead the world to know the Father and His love for them.

“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.

John 17:20-23 (LSB)

So, let us ask God what is within us that we ought to repent of and change. Then help our brothers and sisters with the dust in their eyes. And as we take steps towards Christlikeness on this journey of sanctification, let us find unity in Him as a beacon of God’s love to the world.