At the World Cup in 2010, many considered France to be a team to be taken seriously. They made it all the way to the finals in previous World Cup only to lose in a shootout to Italy 5-3. Well the French returned in 2010 with a stout team made up of several super stars. Many were predicting them to do well in the tournament.

Though this talented team made headlines in 2010, unfortunately, it was not because of their outstanding performance. France’s problems began in the game against Uruguay. Though this game ended in a tie, during the game star players Nicolas Anelka and Franck Ribery refused to pass the ball to another one of the team’s stars because of off the field issues that they had with him.

By the second game, these issues had gotten worse for the French. Not only did they lose 2-0 to Mexico, but during the game, star player Nicolas Anelka had an argument with head coach Raymond Domenech and reportedly cussed out him out. When he refused to apologize, Domenech sent Anelka home.

Things got worse for the French the following day when a heated dispute between team captain Patrice Evra and trainer Robert Duverne made national news. Shortly after this dispute, the teams managing director, Jean-Louis Valentin, announced his resignation from his position stating that he was “sickened and disgusted” by the actions of the team.

Unfortunately, the issues with the French were only beginning. The team upset by Anelka’s departure decided they wanted him back, so they got together and did the unthinkable--they went on strike in the middle of the World Cup refusing to train.  They eventually returned to play only to be eliminated by South Africa 2-1. They returned home an embarrassment to themselves and to their country.

This debacle at the 2010 World Cup reminds us of a timeless truth we see in life, and we find throughout the Scriptures:  "Division is devastating."  It does not matter how talented the team, if there is division and discord, failure will soon follow.

This is especially true when it comes to God's people.  Division can destroy the healthiest of churches.  Therefore, we need to be on guard against it.