Abraham Lincoln is attributed with the following: "‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.’ I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other."

Of course, the sentiment he expressed in that first line comes from the Lord after He was accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. Knowing their thoughts, He said, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand" (Matt. 12:25). The principle is a serious one. Jesus applied it to His work in casting out demons. How could Satan cast out Satan without dividing against himself? Division in any kingdom or work is fatal to its success.

Lincoln’s application of the principle was to the union. Something would have to give way if there was to be success in the government. Though it took force, he was able to keep the union together. Yet, he also realized the possibility that the nation could be destroyed. But this destruction, if it should occur, would be self-inflicted: "If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time, or die by suicide."

Division is a serious matter; it is not to be taken lightly. Christians are citizens of God’s kingdom. His people are His "household" (1 Tim. 3:15). As "living stones," Christians are "being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 2:5). To divide is to tear apart that which God has put together. It is an affront on God’s house, and contradicts the Lord’s prayer for believers "…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" (John 17:21).

Division among God’s people cuts the throat of the unbeliever. It gives him an excuse to say, "See, you are not what you claim to be. If that is what being a Christian is about, I want no part of it." Sadly, I’ve encountered that very attitude. And it doesn’t surprise me. Perhaps this is one reason why those who cause divisions and hindrances contrary to the truth are to be marked (Rom. 16:17-18). They are a danger not only to their own souls, but also to the souls of others.

The opposite of division is unity, or peaceful fellowship. This is what we are to strive for. We are to be diligent in maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:2-3). This can only be done when there is humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, love, and truth. There are times in which division is necessary (1 Cor. 11:19). But it is not desirable; and it certainly is not to be the first step taken when there is a problem or disagreement. The Corinthians themselves (a local congregation, remember) had many serious issues they had to work out. But Paul’s admonition to them was to unite, not divide (1:10-13). Division of a group should be a last step made necessary due to rebellion, not a first step due to impatience and pride.

Where does division really occur? Some speak as though division is a brotherhood matter. "The brotherhood divided over this or that particular issue." But realistically, division, just as with fellowship, can only practically occur on a local and individual level. How can a brotherhood unit divide when it has no organization or central mechanism through which all brethren operate? Jesus is the Head; and only He has the right to call the shots on a universal scale. Yet we sometimes hear that a particular issue should cause a break in fellowship among "us." What exactly ought to divide? Should the "brotherhood" divide? Anytime someone starts to promote a division on a level other than, and larger than, the local congregation of which he is a part, watch out! It is a role which none have authority to take. A "line up and divide" attitude that reaches beyond the local or individual level is fueled by a party spirit. If a division must occur on a local level due to a rebellious faction, then it ought to be handled on that local level. If we are concerned with remaining within God’s authority, what else can we really do? I have no right to call for any widespread divisions that encompass the brotherhood.

Lincoln’s point about the destruction of the union can be applied to God’s people. If we bite and devour each other, we’ll consume one another (Gal. 5:15). If destruction will come, it will most likely be from the inside – death by suicide (note Paul’s warning to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28-32). I’ve seen it happen on the local level; and I care not to witness it again. Let God take care of matters on a universal level; and let each Christian live by the word and be constrained by his or her own conscience on a local and individual level. Let each local congregation handle its matters as an autonomous group. But wherever we are, or wherever our influence may be felt, let us promote the unity of the Spirit through attitudes of patience and love – love for both the souls of others and for the truth of God’s word. God’s house will not be composed of warring factions. If we cannot get along here, we can’t expect to be in heaven together.