Us vs. Them
Believers v. Believers
(Pastor Dan Hulse)
James 4:1
Introduction:
Good morning. Today we’re reflecting on the importance of unity among believers. As we look into the Word of God, let’s turn our hearts to James 4:1, which reminds us of the dangers of Christians engaging in conflict with one another. (READ JAMES 4:1)
Presbyterian minister Michael Lindvall begins a fictional story about a pastor in the Midwest in The Good News from North Haven like this:
I am the pastor of Second Presbyterian Church. There is no first Presbyterian Church in town and there hasn’t been for years. More than a century ago, the newly founded First – and then only – Presbyterian Church enjoyed a fine church fight. Folks still tell the story of the Sunday in June when half the congregation walked out during the sermon and founded Second Presbyterian Church.
All memories agree as to what the fight was about: whether young women ought to lead discussions at Christian Endeavor meetings or keep a low profile and ask questions when they got home, as St. Paul seems to have counseled. What memories do not agree on is who was on what side. Some people now say that the Second Presbyterian group that left was in favor of women speaking at meetings, some say they were against it. Whatever the truth, everyone agrees that the Second Presbyterian Church was squarely established on the firm foundation of an important principle, even if no one is quite sure what that principle was.
The First Church’s building burned to the ground a few years after the split, and most folks assumed that this was a sign…Most First Church folks switched over to the Second Church after the fire. But a handful of stalwarts refused to yield on a matter of Presbyterian principle and became Methodists.
(Michael L. Lindvall, The Good News from North Haven, pp. 2-3. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1991.)
The split among Christians is an extremely dangerous and disheartening situation. It sends the wrong message to the rest of the world as to what Christians are and what they stand for. Doctrinal differences do crop up every now and then, but the important thing to remember is that we ARE Christians, and we should work these differences out in a Christlike manner. I have a few points I’d like to discuss that address conflicts among believers.
My first Point is The Root of a Conflict (James 4:1-2)
Scripture tells us in James 4:1-2, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.” Kill? Certainly not!! But I’m here to tell you that fighting and quarrelling does kill the spirit. When we allow our own selfish desires to take precedence over love and unity, we are killing the loving spirit demanded by Jesus and opening the door to Satan’s influence on Christians.
Secondly: The Call to Unity (Ephesians 4:3)
Ephesians 4:3 urges us to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." As followers of Christ, we are called to set aside our differences and strive for harmony and understanding with one another. Christians should be able to work out difference based on Biblical principles instead of allowing Satan to promote discord among believers. Let us remember that our common faith in Jesus Christ should always be the foundation of our relationships.
My third Point is to follow The Example of Christ (John 13:34-35)
In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you”, so you must love one another. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." How we, as Christians, exemplify our love for one another will show the world the true meaning of Christianity. In contrast, our fighting and bickering among ourselves will show that there is no love or tolerance in Christianity. Our unity as Christians is a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative love of Christ. Let us emulate His example by showing love and grace to our fellow believers.
Which brings us to my fourth and final Point: But what about the other side?
This is where the us vs. them shows its true colors. I’m sure many of you have heard the expression “kill them with kindness”. I don’t quite agree with the term “kill”, but the best way to influence anybody is to be kind and show love; even to those who disagree with you and want to continue to argue and fight. Keeping cool heads in an argument, praying and relying on God’s guidance and direction will ultimately win out. The other side? Leave that up to God. We can’t force someone to change their mind, but God can open their eyes as well as ours to see what the best resolution is.
Conclusion:
As we conclude our reflection on the importance of unity among Christians, let’s remember the words of Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" Let us commit ourselves to fostering peace, love, and understanding within the body of Christ, knowing that our unity glorifies God and strengthens our witness to the world.
Let us pray.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You, grateful for Your Word that guides and instructs us. Help us to be agents of peace and unity within Your Church, that we may reflect Your love to a divided world. Grant us wisdom and patience as we navigate relationships with our fellow believers, always seeking reconciliation and understanding. May Your Spirit empower us to walk in love and humility, following the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name, we pray. Amen
