Daily Devotional

Both sides of my family were embroiled on opposite sides in that tragic, American Civil War which was fought April 12, 1861–May 26, 1865.  Here I am today a descendent of the North and the South.

 On my father’s side (Union), my great, great, great Uncle William Pittenger, a US Army Sergeant, was presented the Medal of Honor on March 25, 1863. William Pittenger was one of the team of men who, by the direction of General Ormsby M. Mitchell, penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory and captured a railroad train at Big Shanty, Georgia in an attempt to destroy the bridges and track between Chattanooga, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia. This became known as, “The Great Locomotive Chase”.

On my mother’s side (Confederate), I am a descendant of General Robert E. Lee. He commanded the Army of Northern Virginia, the most successful of the Southern armies during the American Civil War.  He ultimately commanded all the Confederate Armies.  
How do I feel about both of these men in my family tree?  I choose to think of their bravery, courage, and determination. I am curious about their faith. I hope to meet them in Heaven one day.

How do I feel about the Civil War itself? It was a horrifying war for many reasons.  One of the reasons is, it divided families and relatives. Some fought on the side of the North. Some, in the same family, chose to fight on the side of the South.  Brother against brother. Tragic. Heartrending. It was a grand illustration of the cost of division.  

Many years have passed since the American Civil War. Heartbreaking disunity continues on politically and individually. Failed marriages. Families divided. Friends becoming enemies. Churches splitting over silly issues. Most of us know deeply that sin divides us from a Holy God.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate healer of division. He has provided the supreme solution for disunity on all levels. His work on the cross healed the rift between man and God. When a person responds and accepts Christ, the separation between God and man is healed. Jesus is also the healing balm for marriages, families, friends, and churches.

Contrary to the disconnected nature of our world, God is One. He desires that marriage be a picture of His oneness. Families and friends should strive with God’s help to be at peace with one another. Churches should display His unity as we live in harmony together.

The American Civil War reminds me to strive against division in all areas of my life. How?
Colossians 3:14–15 - “And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (NASB)

PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS and TEACHERS:

1. Kids do squabble and hurt each other! They are learning to get along. Help them by reading and memorizing verses that speak about love and unity—like the above verses.
   
   
2. When your kids are old enough, talk to them about the American Civil War. Use that as an example of how devastating division can be.
   
   
3. Talk to your kids about why it is important to keep working on getting along. Talk about your struggles with getting along with others.
   
   
4. Pray for your kids often about the subject of unity. When you are discouraged and think your kids will never get it, take it to God. He will comfort you and give you wisdom.

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation