Common Proclivities

Ezra 4-7
This is one of the saddest stories: “So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, ‘Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do….’ But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, ‘You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the Lord, the God of Israel….’ Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne.” Ezra 4:2-5 NLT
But how often do we do the same, claiming, “This is MY God; we can’t serve together for a common goal”? Are our proclivities really that different? And does our ego or pride prevent us from being inclusive, if we’re being honest?