Be Careful Of Divisive Spirits

People that participate in divisive arguments have an unhealthy interest in creating strife. However, a mature, faith-filled person recognizes that participating in contentious discussions will not end the matter. With the knowledge of God and the wisdom of the Lord, we understand that calmer spirits must prevail if we are to contribute to living on this one planet and serving together in one body. The goal of a divisive person is to cause conflict, and people who live by faith in the Lord are primary targets.

Therefore, in the name of Jesus, "I urge you, my friends: watch out for those who cause divisions and upset people's faith and go against the teaching which you have received" (Rom. 16:17, GNT)! Paul also warns the Thessalonians to avoid a brother who leads an undisciplined life. Make no mistake; we are undisciplined when we fail to obey the Word of God, follow the Lord’s commands, and complain endlessly.

According to the Word of God, we should do everything without complaining or arguing. If anyone teaches otherwise, it is not congruent with the message from the Lord and cannot present itself as sound doctrine. Therefore, when we encounter these situations, we must be sure we counsel under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is not in our best interest to forge ahead without seriously considering the situation. Specifically, Paul told Titus to: "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them" (Titus 3:10, NIV).

God is omnipotent! He knows the intent of every person's heart. Therefore, we should take His warnings seriously and think carefully before speaking. However, we need to be careful about what we think we know so that we are not quick to label someone as divisive. Do not make an accusation while leaning toward your own understanding of a situation or the person. We need to pray for the ability to discern what God knows about the heart of the person who is creating strife. In our hearts, we need to sanctify Christ as Lord and ensure it is not us creating divisions and setting up obstacles contrary to the gospel message. We must train ourselves to respond gently and show concern for everyone, regardless of gender, race, culture, or economic status.

We are God’s workmanship, and we must fully convince ourselves that what we do is for the Lord to support His mission to spread the gospel message. We urge you to demonstrate respect to everyone, even those overtaken by a fault and causing division. We do not want you to be naïve; there will be divisions; they are God's way of revealing our enemies to us. We must continually and consistently follow the Way and the Truth even when we think no one is watching.

Paul expresses his fears about their contrary behavior to the Corinthians, fearing he would find divisive things like quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder when he came to visit. He gives similar instructions to the Galatians. We must sanctify the Lord in our hearts to overcome the things that plagued the Corinthians.

We have the God-given authority and power of “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5, NKJV). As recipients of His mercy and gifts, which include self-control and discernment, we must do our part to eliminate strife by not participating in divisive arguments. We must continually and consistently follow the Way and the Truth. God led the Israelites out of the wilderness, humbling and challenging them to reveal what was in their hearts. The Lord is God, and we should obey Him. “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart” (Ps. 119:2, ESV).