“These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.  But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’  It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.”  Jude 1:16-19

There are so many instances in time when people have been divided. It can be a disagreement in ideas.  It might come from differences in beliefs or religion.  It can occur when people aren’t open to new concepts – they are set in their ways, stubborn, immovable – they believe they’re the only ones who are right.

Divisions occur with just the slightest crack.  Like a fissure in the earth which has become parched by the sun, this tiny slit can rupture into a fracture growing bigger and spreading like the lines on a road map.  Kind of like my face.  Over years, the pains and joys of living have left their mark on this mask I wear, but I digress.

When we lack nourishment or if we’re subject to too much of it, those little cracks grow into giant, gaping holes.  When we don’t have enough to drink, our bodies shrivel and die.  When our brains are so full of misinformation, they can explode into an enormous cavern.

When we’re divided, we separate ourselves from each other.  We lose our cohesiveness.  We think we’re right and forget that ideas flourish when more minds are working for the same goals.  We miss out on some of the best times of brainstorming, sharing, give and take and blending our thoughts by doing so.

When we’re unified there’s no stopping us.  Sometimes we have to give in and admit that we don’t have all the answers – that we’re not in control – that God is in charge of all things.  Sometimes we must bend just a little to conform with other’s concepts.  Sometimes we have to believe in the human spirit and the God given talents it produces.

A small crack can lead to huge division.  One voice can consume a crowd.  One ideal can be squelched by those who refuse to listen.  We so often want to give up and move to another planet, but that isn’t the answer.  God placed each one of us here for a reason.  We’re part of something greater than ourselves. It’s our job to search for that purpose and do what we’re here to do.