At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin said,

“We must all hang together, else we shall all hang separately.”

Division surrounds us–Democrat/Republican, rich/poor, conservative/liberal, educated/uneducated, and we could go on and on. Sadly, the same can be said for the church. Forget doctrine–dividers. Some brethren just can’t along.

“She didn’t talk to me.” “He looked at me funny.” “Did you see what she had on?” “My, if my children acted that way…” “Did you hear what he did?”

However, when Jesus died for the church, he did so that he might have one united body of believers–a church that loves one another, and looks for the best within one another. Add to that, a church united is something that is good and pleasant. Paul, the apostle, beseeched early Christians to be one.

Here’s what the Bible says:

* “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe        on me through their word; that they all may be one…” (John 17:20-21).

* “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).

* “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the  same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

The giant Redwoods in California don’t have a deep root system. Instead,   their roots intertwine with other roots giving them stability and the    capability to grow tall and strong. The Hebrews writer would remind us to have a similar “root system.” He says, “…exhort one another daily…”  (Heb. 3:13). Or, to borrow from Franklin, “hang together.”

This week, let’s be united with a common love one for the other. After all,    we share in common a loving Savior!

–Neil Richey