Our lesson today comes from the pen of Neal Pollard, a faithful gospel preacher. This article deserves wide circulation for it expresses an important message so well. Neal's words are copied below for your prayerful consideration:

• "A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends" (Prov. 16:28).
• "A worthless person, a wicked man...sows discord" (Prov. 6:12,14).
• "These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: ...one who sows discord among brethren" (Prov. 6:16,19).
• "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins" (Prov. 10:12).
• "Though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly" (Prov. 26:26).
• "It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel" (Prov. 20:3).
• "By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom" (Prov. 13:10).
• "The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts" (Prov. 17:14).
• "He who loves transgression loves strife" (Prov. 17:19).
• "As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife" (Prov. 26:21).
• "He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered" (Prov. 28:25).

Suffice it to say, the Lord has not been silent on the matter. Our age is marked by the manufacturing and fanning the flames of controversy, endless argument, and divisive issues. Men seem to take pride in starting strife and stirring the pot. When we share the gospel in gentleness (II Tim. 2:24) and love (Eph. 4:15), it can still be met with devastating disagreement and vehement vituperation. But, thanks to mediums like social media, some among us have seized the platform to spread division where they could as easily work to promote love and unity among brethren. I cannot presume heart or motives, but the fruit has been to start brotherhood brawls and to stratify schisms. It is worrisome that while we manufacture outrage on politics, race, law enforcement, "guilt by association," nitpicking the church, or constantly bringing up the latest "what's wrong with the church" scenario, over 150,000 people die around the world every day on average (via http://www.ecology.com/birth-death-rates)! Most of that number will have traveled the broad way that leads to destruction. Surely we can redirect our passion and conviction away from divisive diversions and do our part to stem the tide of such an eternal tragedy!

Meanwhile, we can resolve to see people, not skin color, God's sovereignty, not party affiliation or uniform, the local church's autonomy, not an opportunity to be a busybody, and with every other similar scenario, not major in the minors. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for neglecting the weightier provisions of the law, such as justice, mercy and faithfulness while scrupulously focusing on matters comparatively minor (Matt. 23:23). We have a brief time to use our talents and influence on this earth. Will our cause be social justice, brotherhood policing, political activism, or will it be building up the kingdom through evangelism, edification, and benevolence? May God grant us all the wisdom to "not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life" (John 6:27). Be a builder, not a basher!