30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
It seems to me that some folks take this particular verse out of context and use it to create division and turmoil where none needs to exist.
A case in point. A young man who was arrested and arraigned on homicide charges was bailed out by a group of people with particular political views. A few days later a photo of that young man was published, in which he was wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the name of a coffee company. Immediately, the internet exploded with people either praising or chastising that coffee company for supporting the young man and his actions. The coffee company released a statement in which they said they had no comment on an ongoing legal matter. In effect they said, “Look folks. We make coffee. We support veterans. We support law enforcement and the legal system. We advertise on conservative media outlets. That is who we are and what we do, and all we have to say.”
The internet exploded again. People on both ends of the political spectrum called them cowards and insisted they must take a stand. Many threatened to stop buying their coffee. A few said, “Hey people. They make coffee. That’s what they do. They don’t have to weigh in on political issues. All they have to do is make coffee.”
They do make good coffee. I mean, they make REALLY GOOD coffee. I got some for Christmas last year and immediately subscribed to get coffee from them every month. I worried a bit for a minute because their roasts are named for weapons and have pictures of guns and grenades and such on them, but so far as I can tell - they are veterans, they do a great deal to help veterans, they like guns, and they make good coffee. That’s it.
But to all those others on both extremes of the political spectrum it was all about “if you are not with me, you are against me.” None of them seem to realize that there is a whole nation of people who do not fall into either extreme, which is a very good thing. Because Jesus was saying is
“no house divided against itself will stand.” Not “everyone who disagrees with me is my enemy.”
Lord of unity, it is frustrating and upsetting to see people so angry over everything. May we remember that you sent Jesus to heal the world. May the peace of Christ prevail over the anger. Amen
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