Every house divided against itself will not stand

This topic has been on my heart for quite some time now. It holds a deep sentiment for me that I’ll tell you about momentarily. If you’re unfamiliar with it’s roots, we’ll get into that too. I’m curious, what does it mean to you when you hear “every house divided against itself will not stand”? Tell me in the comments below and tell me if this post altered your understanding.

Let’s get started in it’s origin. Matthew 12 continues the narrative about Jesus’ ministry in Galilee and introduces controversy over the observance of the Sabbath for the first time. At this point in time, the Pharisees were following Jesus around town, criticizing His actions on the Sabbath.

In verses 22-30 we see Jesus respond to the Pharisees accusation that He is casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub. How can satan cast out satan? He cannot. Jesus cast out demons by the power of God. Thus, we get the verse:

But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. Matthew 12:25

We see this metaphor throughout every day life. We can’t even trust ourselves when our own thoughts are divided. We see it in our country, politics, sports, relationships, the church and our homes. Jesus would go on to say in v. 30 you’re either for me or against me. There’s a clear distinction between united and divided, joined or separated.

A house divided will fall

I remember when my first born son was a toddler and the time had come to introduce some firm, but fair discipline in his life. I wanted to coddle him and my husband saw the end result of an undisciplined child. So, when our son would act up, my husband would discipline him. Often times, I would say things like, “don’t be so hard on him”, or “calm down, he’s fine.” And I would say these things in the heat of the moment, not as calmly as I’m writing them here.

That’s when my husband said, if you don’t agree with how I’m disciplining, please don’t express those thoughts in front our son. Talk to me about it behind closed doors because when you say those things in front of him, you’re sowing division between us. He said, a house divided will fall.

Division in our homes doesn’t always come in the form of disagreeing in front the kids over discipline. It’s a proud look, a roll of the eyes, blatant disrespect, lying, our tone, a rude response. How do I know these things? Because I’m the queen of “why do I do the very thing I don’t want to do?!” But I’ve retired my crown because that’s not how I want to live, that’s not God’s will for me or my marriage.

Trust me, when my husband approached me on this issue, I didn’t get it at first, so I carried on in my own ways. Soon thereafter, the Holy Spirit confirmed what my husband had been pleading with me.

That was the very beginning of my understanding of not only this particular scripture and how it related to my household but a constant theme throughout scripture to remain united not divided.

Bible verses

He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:8

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. Romans 16:17

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Romans 12:16

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2

And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. Mark 3:25

Building a united home

Build your house on the rock. <– click and read. Women, I’m going to speak to you here because my readers are primarily women. Remember this verse: “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.” Proverbs 14:1 Take ownership and acknowledge how and if you are contributing to the division in your home. If your husband is also to blame, communicate with him, pray for him, seek Godly counsel but meanwhile, we are accountable for our own actions before the Lord.

Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce in America due to a division, one that ultimately severed the vows. We see division in our homes over finances, selfish personal choices, differences in beliefs, raising the kids, unforgiveness, resentment and more. If you’re finding division in your home today, be encouraged that there is nothing God cannot do. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you, to convict you and He is faithful to do so. God can bridge the gap in our homes and in fact, He wants to.

I’ll leave you with the words of Jesus from Mark 10: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” God bless you!