by Robert Harkrider
Without question, it can be affirmed that, when division occurs, the devil has wormed his way into the hearts of some, if not all, of those involved. Let’s not give him that opportunity!
Sincere Christians know that division among believers is contrary to the will of God. Jesus prayed for unity among believers “that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21). Without question, it can be affirmed that, when division occurs, the devil has worked his way into the hearts of some, if not all, of those involved. Participants on both sides will justify themselves; the devil has deceived them. Division always serves the purpose of the devil.
Division!How can that occur among believers? An easy answer says that some taught false doctrine, and opposition to that resulted in division. When Paul met the Ephesian elders at Miletus, he warned:
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves (Acts 20:28–30).
The danger against which the inspired apostle cautioned came to pass when changes were adopted in the organization of the church. Elders became Bishops then Cardinals; soon there was a Pope claiming to be the universal head of the church on earth.
History has repeated itself in our modern era as schism has occurred over issues regarding the organization of the church. Failing to see the importance of Bible authority and how to establish it has resulted in the addition of human institutions that are maintained by the church. Initially, the Missionary Society became the focus of division. This human institution for evangelism supplanted God’s designed plan for the church to carry out its own work. Similar patterns of human institutions for benevolence and edification have supplanted God’s designed work for the church. These additions without biblical authority have led to much division.
While these issues over the organization and work of the church have caused a major division in the Lord’s church, there are other issues that have disrupted local churches. Attitudes unbecoming sincere children of God have led to separations. Instead of loving one another as brethren, these attitudes have led to ungodly gossip and strained feelings.
Let’s briefly examine a few attitudes that lead to division, with a view to avoiding such perils and pitfalls.
It has been said that one can prove anything by the Bible. That is true, but only if the Scriptures are taken out of context. The apostle Peter said that some things Paul had written were “hard to understand which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Pet. 3:16). If one sets his heart to justify a practice, and then keeps searching, he will find someone who agrees. If you doubt that, just consider how many different positions are found on the subject of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Is there any question why Paul exhorted Timothy to “preach the word.” He warned that some will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers” (2 Tim. 4:2-4). “Itching ears” are not content with the simple Word of God; they keep scratching until they leave the inspired revelation.
Intellectual arrogance searches for new explanations and applications of Scripture that the average Christian would not easily comprehend. Perhaps the easily understood Scriptures become boring and the elevation of a person’s intellect is praised if one can espouse an idea not easily comprehended by others. Try following the muddled explanations of someone who proclaims that all prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70. You will soon discover a different approach to handling passages that once seemed easily understood. The appeal to find something new and different is not unique to our generation. Only a few years after Pentecost, John wrote that some “went out from us but they were not of us” (1 John 2:19). John was dealing with the gnosticism of his day. “Gnostic” comes from the Greek verb, ginosko , i.e., “to know.” They thought they knew more than the apostles about the deity of Jesus Christ. Their doctrine denied His humanity. Paul exhorted Timothy to remind his brethren “before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers” (2 Tim. 2:14). Furthermore, Timothy should humbly “correct those who are in opposition if God perhaps will grant them repentance so that they may know the truth and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” (Tim. 2:25-26).
Elevation of your favorite preacher can lead to many problems. The church at Corinth certainly had this problem. Apollos was an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). Whether true or not, Paul was accused of weak bodily presence and contemptible speech (2 Cor. 10:10). Yet both men preached the same gospel—the power of God to salvation. Therefore, jealousy of men who preach the gospel must be set aside (1 Cor. 1:10-13).
It was a strange Gospel Meeting when I learned that a couple sitting near the front of the auditorium would not speak to a couple who sat near the back. I was told to watch how they carefully avoided each other when services were over. I am not sure what caused this rift, but it did not matter. Both had an obligation before God to heal this schism. Jesus plainly set forth how this can be resolved. If you are the one who has been sinned against, then go to the offender. If he will not make it right, then take one or two more, and if that does not resolve the problem, take it before the church (Matt. 18:15-17). On the other hand, if you are the offender, then get busy and go find the offended brother and make matters right (Matt. 5:23-24). Perhaps both parties will meet each other on the way in their effort to serve the Lord!
Do not let bitterness overtake your heart nor allow pride to prevent forgiveness (Eph. 4:31-32).
Elders have a serious responsibility as they “watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.” Consequently, in order to have unity, Christians are commanded, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive” (Heb. 13:17). Nevertheless, the word “submit” has become offensive to some. In fact, a member who refused to submit made the comment, “I just don’t see that verse in Hebrews the same as you do.” Another member said, “I know the elders are not asking me to obey false doctrine, but I am leaving simply because I do not agree with their judgment.” This “me first” attitude will selfishly follow the leadership of the elders only so long as one agrees with them. Therefore, who really is leading? Must the elders take a survey to find out which way the wind is blowing and make a decision only after feeling the pulse of the congregation? If so, they become followers, not leaders.
What must be done when division occurs? First, look in the mirror of God’s word and determine your role. Are you standing for sound doctrine and with God-fearing attitude? If so, division is not always bad. You may be standing faithfully, like the apostle John, when some who departed had turned away from the truth. Second, if you find yourself on the side of wrong attitudes, then repent and make matters right. Third, pray for all who are involved. Even if they have acted like enemies, pray for your enemies (Matt. 5:44-48). Finally, let the mind of Christ, described in Philippians 2:3-11, be the guide for your attitude.
