This is United Nations Day.

On this day in 1945, the United Nations came into existence. As the name indicates, the goal is for the nations of the earth to be “united.” According to the preamble of the U.N. charter, “We the peoples of the United Nations determined . . . to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims.”

Being united is a wonderful ideal. Too often the nations of the world are terribly divided. Every day we hear of wars and other international conflicts. Because we desire unity and dislike conflict, however, we can get the idea that being unified or united is more important than anything else. Sometimes to keep the peace in a relationship, we might hide our real feelings. Or we may keep our thoughts to ourselves in a class even though we disagree with what’s being taught. Certainly peace and unity are important, but truth is more important.

Jesus warned his followers that their beliefs and allegiance to him would cause problems. In today’s verse, he says that instead of peace on earth, he brings “a sword.” Jesus wasn’t telling his disciples to be disagreeable. He was simply explaining that they shouldn’t expect to be welcomed by everyone.

Jesus claimed to be the only way to God. This truth challenges people who think that all religions lead to God. Jesus wants our complete allegiance. That doesn’t sit well in countries run by dictators or dominated by another religion. Jesus tells his followers to live right and to stand for what’s right. That doesn’t win many friends with those pressuring us to do wrong.

Better to be united with Christ and his people than to be the friend of the world.

“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! No, I came to bring a sword” (Matthew 10:34).

To Do

Think of people who have given you a hard time because of your faith in Christ. Spend some time praying for them right now.

Also on this day

This is National Bologna Day (no matter how you slice it).

1901—Anna Edison Taylor was the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.