S) "25 And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, 'Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.'"
Matthew 12:25 (NASB)
O) I mentioned Sun Tzu's "divide and conquer" technique on my 11/11/11 blog entry, and again the concept appears a little more directly in Scripture here. Jesus is refuting the idea that He's an agent of evil; since He's giving people freedom from evil spirits, how can He be evil? This principle has a broader application, though. Is it any wonder at all, that so many husbands and wives suddenly find themselves fighting on a Sunday morning on the way to church? Is it any wonder that ministries are so often ended over some kind of dispute between members of leadership? Satan wants to divide every holy unity, whether a marriage or a ministry partnership (or any other righteous purpose between two believers).
A) If I am going to continue to view my family and household as a kingdom, then I need to protect it as if it's a kingdom. As important as the walls are around a city, it's equally important that the people inside are unified. Even more devastating than any outside wars, is a civil war. I simply cannot afford to be divided with my wife or with my children. That doesn't mean that I give in or roll over at their every request; I still need to uphold what is right. I do, however, need to be aware that the devil would like nothing more than for there to be division within my family. I need to do everything I can to maintain peace and unity. So far, communication seems to be the single most important element that I need to protect.
P) Father, I know I have my own responsibility in protecting this kingdom You've given me, but let me start by confessing that I cannot do it alone. Please continue to protect my kingdom in ways I cannot. Please continue to heal us each individually of any hurts that have persisted between us. Even in my children, who are still young, please restore my unity with them and restore their unity with Kristin. Thank You for my beautiful marriage and the unity I've always enjoyed with Kristin. Holy Spirit, continue to give me discernment to see the spiritual workings of any incidents. Help me maintain this kingdom of Yours. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) If I am going to continue to view my family and household as a kingdom, then I need to protect it as if it's a kingdom. As important as the walls are around a city, it's equally important that the people inside are unified. Even more devastating than any outside wars, is a civil war. I simply cannot afford to be divided with my wife or with my children. That doesn't mean that I give in or roll over at their every request; I still need to uphold what is right. I do, however, need to be aware that the devil would like nothing more than for there to be division within my family. I need to do everything I can to maintain peace and unity. So far, communication seems to be the single most important element that I need to protect.
P) Father, I know I have my own responsibility in protecting this kingdom You've given me, but let me start by confessing that I cannot do it alone. Please continue to protect my kingdom in ways I cannot. Please continue to heal us each individually of any hurts that have persisted between us. Even in my children, who are still young, please restore my unity with them and restore their unity with Kristin. Thank You for my beautiful marriage and the unity I've always enjoyed with Kristin. Holy Spirit, continue to give me discernment to see the spiritual workings of any incidents. Help me maintain this kingdom of Yours. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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