It was the summer before Matthew’s senior year of high school when Peggy and I took him on a college visit to the University of Chicago. Together with other prospective students and their parents, we gathered in an auditorium for a Q&A session with a panel of UChicago undergrads. At one point in the open, positive exchange, a young guest asked, “Why should I not come here?” One of the panelists answered perhaps a bit too quickly, “We sometimes call this ‘the place where fun comes to die,’” he replied, adding, “The library is full on Friday night.” That’s all Matthew needed to hear. He enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis.
Had the young panelist paused momentarily, he might have made his point more palatably, e.g., “The hard work you put in at a university of this caliber will position you to excel in your professional career.” That said, let’s apply his more earthy approach in our study of Christian unity. For our overflowing life in Christ, our eternal oneness in Him, must be the place where division comes to die. What might this look like? The Scriptures show us.
Regarding our persecutors. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”2 Be the place where division comes to die.
Regarding our oppressors. “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”3 Be the place where division comes to die.
Regarding our offenders. “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. . . If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”4 Be the place where division comes to die.
Regarding our relationships. “If you are offering your gift [to God] and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift . . . and go. First be reconciled to your brother.”5 Be the place where division comes to die.
Regarding situational differences. “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.”6 Be the place where division comes to die.
Regarding earthly government. “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”7 Be the place where division comes to die.
Regarding others’ flaws. “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”8 Be the place where division comes to die.
Father, when we were separated from You, You brought us near to You by the blood of Christ.9 May we, in Him, be vessels of unity and overcomers of division today. In Christ we pray. Amen.
1 Today’s post augments our “unity series,” which ran weekly from February 26 through June 13.
2 Matthew 5:44-45 ESV
3 Matthew 5:41 ESV
4 Romans 12:17-18 NIV
5 Matthew 5:23-24 ESV
6 Romans 12:16 NIV
7 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV
8 Colossians 3:13 NLT
9 Ephesians 2:12-13
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Paul Nordman—Author 
2 replies on “Where Division Comes To Die”
On my own, I may align with some of these commands occassionaly, but spoiled by self-righteousness. However, I can align more consistently, and with less self-righteous, only through Christ in me, as recognized in your prayer. Thank you Paul.
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Exactly. (Well said.)
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