Today’s sermon was about not squandering our God-given talents, a reminder that ALL belongs to God.

Seems like all the sermons I have listened to this week have been about a similar topic – ALL belongs to God.

That is what troubles my heart. We do not have to look very far to see that we are terrible at practicing what we preach. And I’m nor referring to Washington and our ever-growing political divide. No. I am of the firm belief that it is ludicrous for us to expect non-Christians to live according to Christian standards. (Not that politicians cannot be Christian, but those often in the spotlight sure do not appear to be acting as Christians are SUPPOSED to act.)

No. What I am referring to is much more sinister – and much more toxic – yet that which appears to fly so far under the radar that few seem to notice or care. I am referring to the Christian divide.

If we Christians truly believe that ALL belongs to God, then why are divisions growing?

Why must we abide by an Us versus THEM mentality?

Why must it be EITHER/OR rather than AND?

Division is nothing new.

In Old Testament Biblical times it was God’s chosen people – the Israelites – and everyone else.

In the New Testament, it was Jew versus Christian versus everyone else.

We can break up the divide even more:

• Ishmael versus Isaac
• Jacob versus Esau
• Joseph versus his brothers . . .
• Who is the greatest disciple
• Jewish Christian versus Gentile Christian
• Peter versus Paul . . .

And today . . . not only is it Christian versus non-Christian, but we also have different forms of Christianity. There are even divisions within the same Christian denominations.

There is the Eastern and Western Orthodox Churches.

Catholics split.

Baptists split.

The Methodists split . . .

There is even us versus them mentality when it comes to local churches within the same denomination – fighting for territory and tithes.

It’s all so nerve wracking and infuriating.

Why can’t we all just get along?

Anyone? Anyone?

(Yea, I’m quoting a speech and a movie line – gotta find the humor in the absurd if I’m going to remain sane.)

I think this issue is one reason I refer to myself as the outsider on the inside.

The way I see things is also why I consider myself to be a good storyteller.

This may even explain why I enjoy puzzles.

I tend to see the big picture with much more clarity than I can see the details within.

And here’s what I see . . .

Jesus came so that there would no longer be

• Jew or Gentile
• Slave or Free
• Man or Woman.

He came to save us all – to unite us as one.

NO. We are not born the same. We were never meant to be exactly alike. How boring would that be.

But neither were we meant to judge. That job is for God alone.

We were called to be loved and to love.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

But how is that possible when we get in our own way by allowing divisions?

What does it matter what church or denomination I belong to? Who I give my tithes to?

Guess what?

I went to Catholic mass on Christmas morning.

I listen to a Baptist pastor on the radio.

I watch a non-denomination church on Sundays and refer people to that church often.

I attend one Nazarene church on Sunday mornings, and I recently had my official membership moved to a new organic Nazarene church that meets at a different time.

Here’s something even more mind blowing.

Just before COVID hit, I started attending a Wednesday night Buddhist group.

AND . . . I did research for a Christian Master’s class on how to be a better chaplain for Muslim patients.

GASP!!!!

Does that mean I do not love Jesus? That I do not believe HE is the way? THE ONLY WAY TO THE FATHER?

Not at all. I absolutely believe Jesus is exactly who he said He is. It just means I do not believe in human labels – especially labels (whether deliberate or not) that divide and create enmity between us as God’s children called to love and be loved as He first loved us.

I truly believe that in order to love God and love my neighbor, I must love with all my heart – without conditions – without labels.

Does that make me an outsider? These days, it sure does feel more and more like I am.

But you know? I think I’m okay with that.

P.S. I am not one to complain without offering a solution. I shall post more next week!