Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Christ did not come to give universal peace on earth between good and evil, but rather division, because human beings respond differently to truth and righteousness. That differing response reaches even into the same household, so that members of one family are separated by their acceptance or rejection of Christ. The division turns on opposition to Him, for those who oppose Him are against Him, and behind the conflict stands Satan's determined effort to control human minds and draw them to his side. For this reason those blessed with great light are called to earnest religious interest and wholehearted service instead of tame, listless striving, to daily prayer and watchfulness, and to a decided seeking of the Lord in order to live out and practice the truth.
Christ did not come to give universal peace on earth between good and evil, but rather division, because human beings respond differently to truth and righteousness. That differing response reaches even into the same household, so that members of one family are separated by their acceptance or rejection of Christ. The division turns on opposition to Him, for those who oppose Him are against Him, and behind the conflict stands Satan's determined effort to control human minds and draw them to his side. For this reason those blessed with great light are called to earnest religious interest and wholehearted service instead of tame, listless striving, to daily prayer and watchfulness, and to a decided seeking of the Lord in order to live out and practice the truth.