Biblical Reflections · Christian Life

Solution or problem?

5 min read, approximately

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (Romans 16:17-20)

Jesus Christ clearly expressed that

“… Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a house divided against itself falls. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub. If I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has certainly come to you. When a strong, armed man guards his palace, his possessions are at peace. But when someone stronger than he comes and overcomes him, he takes away all the weapons in which he trusted and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Luke 11:17-23)

The purpose of divisions is to create hostility and discord between 2 or more people, weakening their strength and making them abandon their goal. Throughout history, divisions have destroyed couples, families, friendships, businesses, churches, towns, cities, and entire nations!

But how can a child of God be a cause of division and confusion?

Let us look at just 3 of the many reasons:

\1. “My people were destroyed because they lacked knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6a)

Do we study the Bible? If we do not, let us not be surprised if we cause divisions

“and saith unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, Lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone.” (Matthew 4:6)

That is, Do we handle the Bible properly or… to suit ourselves? A clear example would be when we want to use the Old Testament to justify our practices while ignoring what the New Testament says (Romans 7:6, Galatians 3:24-26).

\2. “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They honor me in vain, teaching human commandments as doctrines.” (Matthew 15:8-9)

Do we follow doctrines and commandments… of human beings? It is no wonder that we disagree with someone who does meditate on and examine God’s Word. It is clearly written

“I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel; which is not another [gospel]: only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema. As we have said before, so say I now again, If any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than that which ye received, let him be anathema.” (Galatians 1:6-9)

Nothing can replace God’s Word! God’s Word is true, and we can and must trust it above any human judgment!

\3. “Then they shouted loudly, covered their ears, and rushed at him together.” (Acts 7:57)

Do we do our own will and cover our ears when the Lord tries to correct us? Pride, arrogance, answering before listening…

“And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)

It is no wonder that if we do not pay attention, we disobey and consequently become a cause of division.

Do we set aside time to meditate on and examine God’s Word? Do we usually check that what is preached is supported by God’s Word? Are we ready to listen and slow to speak when we are guided by God’s Word?

“Every scripture inspired of God [is] also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)  

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105)

Surely, if we take it into account, we will be God’s instruments to build others up and be part of the solution instead of being a problem by causing divisions. What do you say?

_**Remember to stop by the Songbook

May God continue to bless you, and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!