Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke.

Philippians 2:4

1. Time – This is a dividing point that we are simply not able to overcome.  For example, I once visited Arlington National Cemetery.  It had formerly been the home of General Robert E. Lee (his wife was the property owner).  As a result of his joining the Confederacy during the Civil War era, his property was confiscated by the Union.  In order to prevent him from recovering his land, it was turned into a cemetery to bury those who were dying in the war.  It later became a National Cemetery.  I saw the cemetery, but not General Lee.  We were divided by time.

2. Location – This is also a divider.  I am here in Georgia, but have friends elsewhere.  We are divided by distance.

3. Social Position – I once saw the White House from outside, but was never invited inside to have dinner with the President.  He lived there, I was only a tourist.

4. Responsibilities – Sometimes all adults in a home work, spending more time apart than together.  This can often lead to marriage difficulties.

5. Attitudes & Personalities – We all look at things through our own life experiences, which often cause us to reach different conclusions about events.  Sometimes those feelings are so strong that people are unable to overcome those emotions and begin to resent one another.

6. Misunderstandings – These often lead us to fall into a spirit of criticism.  Our emotions can be raised to a point that we cannot overcome them and we are separated from family and friends.  Criticism may result from insecurity on the part of the unhappy person, or maybe as a result of being misinformed.  So many of these type divisions can be overcome with a gentle conversation and a forgiving spirit.  It’s just that it’s not easy to forgive when you’ve been deeply hurt.

7. Envy – The Greek word in the scriptures for envy is “Phthonos,” which denotes strong displeasure over the advantages or prosperity of others.  This must be resisted at all costs. (Romans 15:2-3, Eph. 4:7,16)