As the calendar turns to a new year, Christians have a choice to make. We can carry into the coming months the same habits of division, outrage, gossip, and political tribalism that have fractured both our culture, our political movement, and too often the Church—or we can recover a distinctly biblical focus on unity in Christ, prayerful dependence on God, disciplined holiness, and faithful advancement of His kingdom.
Scripture is clear that the people of God are not defined first by party affiliation, cultural grievances, or even secondary theological disagreements, but by our shared identity in Christ. “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:4–6). That unity is not sentimental or superficial; it is rooted in the finished work of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Yet in practice, Christians often behave as though what divides us is more significant than what unites us. Social media outrage cycles, public feuds between influencers, and constant suspicion of one another’s motives have become commonplace. In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination (I believe the most significant spiritual, political, and cultural event of 2025), the immediate aftermath was revival and a united focus on eternity and Christ. Yet this unity quickly dissolved into tribalism, gossip, and clickbait.
While the world expects chaos and infighting, the Christian is called to something radically different. Jesus prayed for His followers “that they may all be one… so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). Our unity is not only for our own spiritual health, it is a testimony to a watching world.
This does not mean Christians should abandon conviction or retreat from the public square or controversies. Scripture calls believers to speak truth boldly, defend righteousness, and stand firm against evil. But it does mean we must examine the spirit in which we engage. “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Political obsession, celebrity emphasis, endless commentary, and internecine warfare often distract us from the very mission Christ gave His Church.
The New Testament repeatedly instead emphasizes prayer as central to Christian life and witness. The early Church did not change the world through social clout or cultural dominance, but through persistent prayer, faithful obedience, and consistent discipleship. When the apostles faced persecution and threats, they did not organize smear campaigns against one another or fracture into camps. They prayed. “They raised their voices together to God” (Acts 4:24), asking for boldness to proclaim the gospel.
Prayer recenters the believer on God’s sovereignty and reminds us that the kingdom we serve is not built by human power alone. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). A Church that neglects prayer will inevitably replace dependence on God with reliance on outrage, influence, or personalities.
Alongside prayer, Scripture calls believers to discipline and holiness—virtues that rarely trend but always matter. Paul exhorted Christians to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1) and to exercise self-control in every area of life (1 Corinthians 9:25). Gossip, slander, and needless drama are not harmless side issues; they are works of the flesh that undermine unity and grieve the Spirit (Galatians 5:19–21; Ephesians 4:29–30).
The Church must also recover a robust understanding of its mission. Jesus did not commission His followers to win every argument or dominate every cultural dispute, but to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Advancing the kingdom of God means proclaiming the gospel, defending truth, and modeling Christlike love—even when we disagree.
Paul warned the Corinthians against elevating factions and personalities above Christ Himself. “Is Christ divided?” he asked (1 Corinthians 1:13). That question remains painfully relevant. When believers define themselves primarily by who they oppose—politically or personally—rather than by whom they follow, the gospel is obscured.
As the new year begins, Christians would do well to conduct an honest spiritual inventory. Are we known more for prayer or for posting? More for loving or for complaining? More for humility or for hostility? More for building up the body of Christ or tearing one another down? Scripture calls us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), not because unity is easy, but because it is obedience.
The world is desperate for hope, truth, and redemption. The Church already has the answer—Jesus Christ. The question is whether we will live like it. A renewed focus on unity in Christ, prayerful dependence, disciplined holiness, and faithful kingdom work will not only strengthen the Church but magnify the glory of God in a dark and divided age.
The new year is not merely a reset of the calendar. For Christians, it is an opportunity to realign our hearts, reorder our priorities, and once again fix our eyes on Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Live in a manner worthy of your calling.
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