Brother-bashing and Sister-smashing

by Joey Davis

During the tornadoes that recently ravaged our area, some trees planted by the hands of the 7th President of the'. United States were finally destroyed.

Andrew Jackson was a military leader and states man, Before, he was President, he was a Major General in the Tennessee Militia. During the war of 1812 his troops reached an all-time low in morale. As a result they began arguing, bickering and feuding amongst themselves. The story is told of Old Hickory calling his troops together when their tensions had, reached fierce proportions: He told them rather bluntly, "Gentlemen! Let's remember, the enemy is over there!"

What a much needed message for Christians today!

One of the most interesting comments made regarding the early church came from a man named Aristides. He had been sent by the Emperor Hadrian to spy out a strange group of creatures called "Christians." Having seen them in action, he returned with a mixed report. Yet his immortal words that have been handed down through history are a wonderful testimony to the power of Jesus. Aristides said, "Behold! How they love one another."

How often do we hear statements like that today? Is this what those who are "outside of the church looking in" are telling their friends? Or are they saying things like. . . "Behold! How they criticize one another" . . . "Behold! How they fight with one another" . . . "Behold! How they judge one another" . . . "Behold! How they deceive one another"?

Brother-bashing and sister-smashing are shameful practices. Christians must perceive themselves as members of the same family, not competitors in a race to heaven. The mark of the Christian must be a spirit of unity and genuine love for others, and these traits should be demonstrated often.

We are viewed by the world as a self-seeking and factious group. If you don't believe it, go to a Christian bookstore and read the titles as if you knew nothing about the church. In a, bookstore this morning, I noticed the titles of the books. They alone reflected criticism and polarization amongst the brotherhood. Books declaring unity were conspicuously absent. What a shame!

"Christians, your Enemy is over there! Pull for one another. Support one another. Believe in one another. Care for one another. Pray for one another. Love one another." May our community report to their friends concerning us, the same report given by Aristides.

• Modern Korahs -May 17, 1992