Why Our Love for God — Not Our Differences — Holds Us Together
Introduction: Political Pettiness and Its Impact
Have you ever noticed how easy it is for arguments and petty squabbles to take center stage in our conversations, especially when it comes to politics? From social media to dinner tables, even the smallest differences can spark heated debates. This political pettiness doesn’t just affect society at large — it can creep into our churches too, distracting us from our real purpose and the hope we’re meant to share.
God and Government: The Church’s Relationship
It’s easy to get caught up in the back-and-forth of politics, but as followers of Christ, our first loyalty is to God. Governments come and go, leaders rise and fall, but God’s authority remains constant. The Bible reminds us that all leadership is ultimately under God’s control, and our role isn’t to put our faith in politicians but to pray for those in authority and seek justice, mercy, and humility in our actions.
Righteous Leaders: Qualities and Importance
What makes a leader truly righteous? It’s not their power or popularity, but their character. Righteous leaders act with honesty, humility, and a genuine desire to serve others, not themselves. They listen before they speak, seek wisdom, and put the needs of their people above their own ambitions. In times of uncertainty, these are the leaders who help communities stand strong and united.
The Church in Dark Times: Role and Response
When the world feels dark and divided, the church is called to be a light. We can’t control everything happening around us, but we can offer hope, compassion, and a sense of belonging to those who are hurting. The church’s role isn’t to pick sides or add to the noise, but to point people to Jesus and the peace He offers. We do this by caring for the vulnerable, standing up for what’s right, and keeping our eyes fixed on God’s greater story.
Unity vs. Uniformity: Diversity in the Church
Sometimes we forget that unity doesn’t mean everyone looks, sounds, or worships the same way. The church is a beautiful collection of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and traditions. Our unity comes from our shared love for God and commitment to following Jesus — not from having the same taste in music, using the same words, or wearing the same clothes. In fact, our differences can make us stronger!
A Church Divided Over Leaders: Paul’s Appeal
Sadly, churches sometimes split or argue over which leaders to follow. Paul addressed this issue in 1 Corinthians 1:10, urging believers to “agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” Paul wasn’t asking everyone to be exactly alike, but to focus on what truly matters: Christ at the center. When we let personal preferences or loyalties divide us, we lose sight of our real mission.
Conclusion: Living as Salt and Light
In a world filled with pettiness and division, the church has a unique opportunity to show another way. We’re called to be salt and light — to make a difference not by insisting on our own way, but by loving God and loving others, even when we disagree. Let’s remember that our unity is built on Jesus, not on our opinions or traditions. When we stand together in love and worship, we become a powerful witness to the hope and healing God wants to bring to our world.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 