A Divisive Spirit “Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.” Titus 3:9-11 There have always been disagreements in the Lord’s Church, but on a local level division and disagreement often reaches a point where our Christian testimonies are compromised or even destroyed. Paul was writing to Titus, a seasoned pastor, on a very practical subject of how we should react and deal with someone who wants to dispute over non-essential things concerning our salvation and lives as Christians. Note with me that first and foremost some discussions are foolish and a complete waste of time to become involved with in the first place. Learn to walk away from some discussions and some people rather than risking getting caught up in foolish and non-productive discussions. But there are times when certain people will trap you into such discussions and refuse to allow you to remain neutral in the matter. What should you do then? Paul’s advice is simple and straightforward, “give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.” I know for some this is too direct and too scary to even contemplate. But let’s look at it another way, if someone was trying to force you to eat garbage or poison, would you let them keep putting big spoonful’s of the stuff in your face to be social able or polite? No with a gentle, but firm spirit you must warn such people to stop being a divisive spirit in the church and you have to refuse further direct contact if they won’t stop. Today I pray for all of us to have a loving, teachable, and correctable spirit so that dwelling together in the Spirit’s unity we may see great things accomplished for the Lord. Lord today make us one in Your Spirit and help keep that unity before a dying world that needs you! Amen.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Feb 2014 06:00:13 +0000