US AND THEM
It started with the theft of a pig. In 1878, Randolph McCoy accused William Hatfield of stealing his hog. Eventually, their bitterness erupted into the most famous feud in history—the Hatfields and McCoys. Before it ended, thirteen people lay dead.
Disagreements can be healthy opportunities to learn and grow. But feuds— drawing lines, vilifying those with different viewpoints? It’s not only ungodly, but can be downright deadly—witness the Hatfields and McCoys. The ultimate “us and them” scenario.
Since I’ve been alive, I don’t recall a time when our nation has been more divided. Churches, families, even marriages become battlefields, pitting friend against friend. We could all list a host of issues pulling us apart, but the issues aren’t really the issue. It runs deeper. How do we respond when encountering someone with an opposing view? Do we draw lines in the sand and stand toe-to-toe, or love and respect those on the “other side,” without cultivating an “us and them” mentality?
Scripture teaches us to “Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10); and to “value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). The Way of Christ is as far removed from an “us-and-them” mentality as we are from the farthest galaxy.
As Israel was preparing to march against Jericho, Joshua encountered a man with a drawn sword. He asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The man replied, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come” (Joshua 5:13-14).
I’m not sure I understand what’s really happening in that text, but the implications are huge. God loved the Canaanites just as much as his own people. Second Peter 3:9 states, “He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” It wasn’t a matter of “us and them.”
I’m not suggesting we roll over and give up our convictions. We should hold strongly to what we believe. But HOW do we hold our principles—in Hatfield-and-McCoy style, with hateful speech, questioning the motives and integrity of those on the “other side?” Or lovingly display Jesus to them? If we’re convinced someone is totally messed up, then let’s reach out to serve them in love. If the body of Christ can’t adopt a posture of love, then who can? May God free us from an “us and them” mindset!
Principle: The way of Christ is not about “us and them.”
Ponder:
In what ways might I have been guilty of an “us and them” mindset?
What person(s) do I disagree with that I can reach out to in love this week?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Philippians 2:1-11.
Prayer: “Lord, in the midst of disagreements with others, please prompt me through your Spirit to love them and treat them as you would.”
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