In the Bible, the phrase “Not Peace but Division” refers to Jesus’ teaching in Luke 12:51, where He states that His presence will bring division even among close relationships, emphasizing that following Him may lead to conflict with those who do not share the same faith. This highlights the radical nature of commitment to Christ, where allegiance to Him can challenge social and familial bonds.
Scripture
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.
37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
“Not Peace but Division” in the Bible
The phrase “Not Peace but Division,” originating from Jesus’ teaching in Luke 12:51, invites a profound exploration of the complexities of discipleship and the cost of following Christ. In this verse, Jesus asserts, “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” This statement aligns with other scriptural passages, such as Matthew 10:34-36, where it is also emphasized that Jesus’ mission can set family members against one another as individual beliefs may clash with societal and familial expectations. The broader meaning of this division underscores that the call to discipleship often comes with a price, as believers may find themselves at odds with those who prioritize earthly ties over spiritual commitments.
Moreover, this division is not merely strife but an integral part of the transformative journey of faith. In the context of John 15:18-19, Jesus explains that the world’s hostility toward Him extends to His followers; their allegiance to Him identifies them as outsiders, exacerbating the separations experienced within families and communities. This concept is echoed in passages like 2 Timothy 3:12, which asserts that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Ultimately, this division serves as a crucible for faith, compelling believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else. It cautions us that true peace, as brought by Christ, often requires navigating the tumult of division and realigning our loyalties in a world that may not accept the radical implications of the Gospel.
The theme of division as a result of steadfast discipleship resonates throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing that following Christ often necessitates a courageous confrontation with societal norms and familial ties. In the Old Testament, the story of the prophet Elijah illustrates this dynamic vividly. Elijah’s confrontations with Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 18) demonstrate how his unwavering commitment to God leads to significant conflict within the Israelite community, showcasing that a prophetic voice can disturb the status quo and evoke division. This serves as a reminder that the prophetic call to righteousness frequently invites opposition and dissent, revealing an underlying truth that loyalty to God can provoke strife.
In the epistles, Paul writes extensively about the nature of division cultivated by faith in Christ. In Galatians 5:11-12, he addresses the friction arising from the gospel’s countercultural message, observing how the truth of the Gospel often contradicts prevailing societal beliefs, thus creating tension between believers and non-believers. Paul’s admonition on the necessity of standing firm in one’s faith, despite the divisive nature of the message, underscores the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls individuals out of darkness into a new identity in Christ. Furthermore, the instructions given to the early church in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 emphasize the importance of unity among believers amidst the inevitable divisions caused by differing perspectives and teachings. This reinforces the notion that while division may be a consequence of faith, the ultimate goal remains a deeper unity in the body of Christ, centered on His truth and love.
The Cost of Discipleship
In the context of biblical teachings, the phrase “Not Peace but Division” highlights the inherent challenges and sacrifices associated with following Christ. Discipleship often requires individuals to make difficult choices that may lead to conflict with family, friends, or societal norms. This division serves as a reminder that true commitment to faith can sometimes result in estrangement from those who do not share the same beliefs or values. The call to follow Christ is a call to prioritize spiritual allegiance over earthly relationships, illustrating that the path of faith is not always harmonious.
The Nature of Truth
Another broader meaning of “Not Peace but Division” relates to the nature of truth in a world filled with differing ideologies and beliefs. The pursuit of truth, particularly in a spiritual context, can lead to division as individuals and communities grapple with contrasting interpretations of faith and morality. This division is not merely a source of conflict but also a catalyst for deeper understanding and growth. It challenges believers to engage with differing perspectives, fostering a more profound exploration of their faith and the principles that guide their lives.
The Role of Conflict in Spiritual Growth
Conflict and division can also serve as essential components of spiritual growth. The Bible often illustrates that trials and tribulations can lead to a stronger faith and a more profound relationship with God. The phrase “Not Peace but Division” can be understood as an acknowledgment that spiritual journeys are often marked by struggles that refine character and deepen understanding. Through these divisions, believers are called to seek reconciliation, embody grace, and demonstrate love, ultimately leading to a more mature and resilient faith.
How to Prioritize Faith Over Familial Loyalties in Life
Navigating the delicate balance between faith and familial loyalties can be one of the most challenging aspects of living a Christian life. Jesus Himself spoke about this in Matthew 10:37, where He emphasized that our love for Him must surpass even our deepest family ties. This doesn’t mean we abandon our families; rather, it calls us to place our relationship with God at the forefront of our lives. To prioritize faith, start by immersing yourself in prayer and Scripture, allowing God’s word to shape your values and decisions. When conflicts arise, seek wisdom through prayer and counsel from fellow believers, reminding yourself that true loyalty to family is rooted in love and truth, which often aligns with God’s will. Embrace the idea that by prioritizing your faith, you can be a beacon of light and love to your family, ultimately leading them closer to Christ. Remember, it’s not about choosing one over the other, but about allowing your faith to guide how you love and serve your family.
Bible References to “Not Peace but Division”:
Luke 12:49-53: 49 “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!”
50 I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!
51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.
53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Micah 7:5-7: 5 Put no trust in a neighbor; have no confidence in a friend; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms;
6 For the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.
7 But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.
John 7:40-43: 40 When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.”
41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee?
42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”
43 So there was a division among the people over him.
John 15:18-25: 18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”
19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also.
24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father.
25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’
Acts 14:1-7: 1 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.
5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,
6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country,
7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17: 10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.
12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.
16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18: 14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
Ephesians 6:10-18: 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Hebrews 4:12-13: 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
1 Peter 4:12-19: 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.