It’s been way too long since we blogged so I thought I’d ease back in with a simple post instead of the mammoth “catch up on the last two months” one. I was thinking this morning about these two verses:

John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:49-50)

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. (Luke 11:23)

It’s always been a little confusing to me that Jesus says both things. Make up your mind, dude. But I think there’s a difference between the “you” in the first one and the “me” in the second. In the first case it’s someone who does not “follow with US.” It’s someone who’s not in our group, doesn’t do things out way. In the second Jesus is talking to Pharisees who are accusing HIM of being from the devil.

That’s a real key to unity, I think. I’m not Jesus. If someone’s not with me it’s ok. As long as they’re not directly opposed to me I should assume we’re on the same team. If they’re not with him, though, that’s a problem. As far as I’m concerned neutral means together, as far as he’s concerned neutral means against. Very enlightening for me anyway.