Abraham Lincoln is my favorite president. I grew up going to his house, seeing his grave, watching plays about his childhood, and reading books on his life. In my adult life, I’ve visited even more places he visited or lived and believe I’ve managed to see all the sights available. So, when I hear the phrase “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” I tend to think of Abraham Lincoln. He used this phrase when he was running for the Senate seat in Illinois. During that time, it provided separation from his opponent Stephen Douglas and foreshadowed that the country would either become an all free-slave or all slave nation. By the way, he lost this race against Douglas!
This was not the first speech to use this phrase, though.
Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” – Matthew 12:25 NIV
Jesus had just finished healing and driving out a demon from a man who was demon-possessed, blind, and mute. Talk about the odds being “not in your favor”! Those who witnessed this healing were amazed and astonished. Not everyone was happy about this event. The Pharisees began to accuse him of driving out the demon with the help of Beelzebub, the prince of demons (verse 24). Enter in Jesus’ famous words. His argument? Why would Satan desire to drive out Satan? He (Jesus) must be of God if He is driving out evil spirits.
How do I expect you to apply Abraham Lincoln and Jesus to your life today? We each have forces in our lives that compete for our time and attention. What are these forces that you face? Do they all point in the same direction, or are they dividing you…are they dividing your loyalty? If so, you cannot stand, you will be ruined.Take a few moments:
- List your vision for your life. What is it you expect out of your life.
- List your mission for your life. What do you feel God has called you to do.
- Write down your top ten list of activities in your life. This could include church, family, job, God, hobbies, sports, kids, school, etc.
- Compare your activities to your vision and mission. Are they inline with each other or divided?
We were never promised an easy life. We were promised God would be with us every step of the way. Pray over your lists so that you will not be divided. Surrender your lists to God. He will be with you every step of the way.
How is God speaking to you today?
© 2014 Susan M. Sims
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