4:103 – Division and Multiplication

#faithbites #faithjourney division

Setting

In college, I did math because I had to. It was rote memorization and I hated it. Now I’m helping my eldest with her 5th grade made. Don’t get me started there. One thing they teach is that division and multiplication are inverses of each other. That means you can reverse multiple through division and division through multiplication.

In recent days, I have seen times when we should be multiplying our blessings but instead, we are dividing. People, myself included are using the wrong operation for success. We need to base our decisions on what God tells us to do and not what we see every day in politics and other areas. Divide burdens, multiple blessings. Disagreement can be done without division.

Today’s Questions: How can you show that you disagree with something without being divisive? How do you work with those you may disagree with to multiple what God has given us?

Scripture

• Numbers 11:17 – Then I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put Him upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you will not bear it all alone.
• Romans 16:17-18 – I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Reflection

When I was looking for division and multiplication in the bible, I found many stories and scriptures where when God’s people come together and through them, he multiplies their offspring, finances, and well-being. When they are divided, troubles abound. We see in Numbers, God coming down to help us divide our burdens. He doesn’t want us to be alone in the challenges that we face. Likewise in Romans, those who seek to divide are not in Christ and we should avoid them.

What does this mean? Does it mean we can’t disagree? No. God wants us to come together to multiply what he has given us. Sometimes we have to argue and debate to come up with the best way to do that. What we have to avoid are those actions that only divide us. We are a chosen people whom God sacrificed his Son for. Our job is to look at the resources he gives us (talent, time, treasure, people) and find the best ways to use them. We may not always agree on the how, but the why should always be to serve God in the highest.

As we close, think hard about how you can multiple someone’s blessings and divide their burdens. Be careful not to divide blessings and multiply burdens.

Prayer

Father God, we pray for Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington. Help her people to see your plan and come together to multiply what you have provided. We also pray that you help everyone to find ways to multiply and divide in the correct order to advance your plan. When we fail, Lord, help us to forgive one another and find out the reason behind the action. It is not always what it seems. We pray this in your name, Amen.