The Common Ground of Division and Death
One hundred sixty years ago, the common ground on which they met was a place of death.
The Gettysburg Address
Delivered on November 19, 1863
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Abraham Lincoln
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
The Common Ground of Peace
I pray we remember the terrible price of division.
I’m grateful their battle on that common ground of death gives us the choice to fight for the common ground of agreement. In peace.
My prayer for all of us is that we dedicate ourselves to fight for agreement, and peacefully work through the issues that may divide us.
“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
A good start is to agree about things for which we’re grateful! 🙂
I’m grateful for God and His blessings, and that includes my readers. Thank you for reading and commenting on my posts.
What helps you seek common ground?
Common Ground – What helps you seek common ground with others? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Great post and reminder, Joni. God’s love helps me look for common ground. Boy, do we need it.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Tim. Yes, it takes all of us looking for common ground to help make things better. And God’s help is the only way I can look for common ground.
I think God can be our common ground. When we are fully devoted to Him and obeying His Word, every other relationship will fall into place, if the other people we deal with are also seeking Him. Abraham Lincoln reminded us when he said, “this nation, under God”. If everything we seek for (common ground/ peace) is not placed “under God”—it will fail.
Thank you, Jane. And I have to have God to help me treat others the way He wants whether they follow Him or not. I love another quote by Lincoln: A house divided against itself cannot stand. Praying for everyone – we all need it.
Finding that common ground can be so difficult, especially in today’s culture. Thanks for reminding us of its importance — and that the effort is worth it.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Leigh. I appreciate your support. And I am comforted to know there are so many who seek to do what God wants. Prayers for you.