As most of you know, I teach developmental math at the community college. My basic math class took a test on whole numbers and integers recently and one of the concepts included on that exam was division by zero.
The Division Property of Zero
Ready for a math lesson? Zero divided by any nonzero number is zero. But dividing BY zero is a whole different story. I illustrate this idea to my students with a cookie analogy. If I bring ZERO cookies to class to divide among my students, how many cookies does each student receive? NONE! However, what if I bring 2 dozen cookies to share with my students and no one shows up? (Believe it or not, that HAS happened—the last part anyhow) I can’t share them, can I? No, I just end up eating too much! Anything divided by zero is undefined in the world of math.
Division Abounds
Let’s apply that concept to the world in general. I think we would all agree that there is no shortage of division in this world. If that doesn’t affect you, then let’s narrow the scope. Is there division in your country, state, county, community? How about in your church or school? Have you been affected by it? What about your neighborhood, your family, or even your own home? I suspect everyone is affected by division every single day on some level simply because we live in a fallen world.
The Division Property of Zero: A Real-Life Application
On the way to class on the morning of that exam, God provided me with a revelation and consequently some writing material. You know I’m always looking for that, not to mention the time to put it into words. With division apparent at seemingly every turn these days, just remember this math lesson. You CANNOT divide by zero. It is undefined. If NO ONE participates, division is NOT possible. Think about that.
The Opposite of Division = Unity
God has a better way. He calls it unity. In God’s perfect timing, the verse of the day as I sat down to finish this post is Galatians 3:28. It reads:
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Because of God’s amazing grace, we all stand on equal footing no matter our age, race, gender, social status, political beliefs, etc. No matter what, we are all ONE before God, standing on a level playing field created by Jesus.
Achieving Unity
As Christians, we are called to live out that unity here on earth. What does that look like? It certainly is not easy, but we have been given some instructions.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)
I believe we’ve been called to a higher standard as children of God. After all, we are a new creation in Christ Jesus. We have the power of the Holy Spirit at our disposal 24/7 to guide and direct us. As we sang in church just this past Sunday, “they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” That should be the goal!
Doing Our Part
Let’s strive for unity right where we’ve been planted. Remember, division is not possible if no one participates! I am going to put forth a more conscious effort not to engage in any activity that promotes division. To use more math lingo, I want to be part of the solution, not the problem. Will you join me?