The 2016 presidential race has certainly led the people of the United States to become anything but united as one of the most hotly contested election races continues to divide the nation. With an abnormally high number of candidates still in the running, the country has found itself divided by candidate preference as well as by the stances each has taken on an array of polarizing political topics and moral issues. The candidates themselves certainly have done little to unite the country: Debates often have been filled with name-calling and putdowns instead of offering messages of compromise and humility. Eruptions of conflict and violence have become more frequent at candidate rallies, and the tense environment has now carried over to voters.

Where’s the kindness and compromise?

Even while most teenagers are unable to vote, anti-bullying experts fear that young people will be negatively influenced by candidate behavior as they witness powerful people succeed by making threats, spreading rumors and attacking people verbally. Galit Breen, an anti-cyber-bullying author, noted that the bullying tactics exhibited by candidates and other people of power contradict the values of kindness and compromise encouraged through anti-bullying campaigns. Breen further stressed that as teenagers witness powerful people “choosing to fight people instead of issues” to get what they want, such teenagers may be influenced to develop similar bullying habits themselves.

Overcoming dissension and division

As Christians, we are called to live as people who are united by Christ’s love and peace. In the second chapter of Acts, the first Christians lived out this calling — they were “united and shared everything” (verse 44). Yet, as witnessed through the New Testament (and demonstrated by our world today), this Christian society of peace and unity is difficult to maintain and preserve. So, as Christians called to be united by our faith, how do we overcome the dissension and division created by our differences in worldly opinion? More importantly, what eternal issues of unity should we be ever mindful of that take precedence over the earthly disagreements we possess? 

Question of the day: In what ways are we united as Christians?
Focal Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:19-27; Romans 3:21-26; John 17:20-25

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.