“Nothing will divide the church so much as the love of power.” - Saint John Chrysostom
These words from the Archbishop of Constantinople were written in 400 AD. But they cut as deeply today as they did then, and in every century since. Because we are those who quarrel and fight because of warring passions (James 4:1), we desire and do not have, so we murder. We covet and cannot obtain so we fight and quarrel (James 4:2).
Why would we desire, or seek anything else, when we are those who have been lavished with the steadfast love of God (1 John 3:1)? Why would we attempt to establish our allegiance when we are citizens of a kingdom not of this world (John 18:36, Philippians 3:20). Why would we seek to be great, when it is better to be least in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:19)? Why would we pursue a place of honor, when Christ invites the lowest to move higher (Luke 14:10)? Why would we dwell in the tents of the wicked, when it is better just to keep watch of the door to the house of God (Psalm 84:10)?
Lord, may you purify our desires, change our longings, and satisfy our hearts in humility. Everything that we could ever truly need is found in You. In Your name, amen.
Learning,
AB