“Sept 18, 2024 - Divisiveness”

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Divisiveness

Reading:  Romans 16:17-27
    
    Paul ends his letter with a warning:  “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them”(Rom 16:17).  Some people are divisive.  They separate people, cause problems, and make living the faith more challenging. While they may blame others for the conflict that seems to follow them, they are the common denominator.  Such people are dangerous; Paul demands that we “avoid them.”  The reason is that they “do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve”(Rom 16:18).  Though they claim to follow Jesus, their true allegiance is to themselves.  We cannot trust their words, which are full of “smooth talk and flattery,” but must look honestly at the fruits of their actions.  These are strong words, but divisiveness is spiritually devastating, both personally and within a local church.

    Despite this negative pronouncement, Paul is actually full of optimism about the Romans.  He assures them that “your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you”(Rom 16:19) and that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet”(Rom 16:20).  The fact that we encounter self-willed people does not diminish our standing before God or our hopes of him fulfilling his promises.  “Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ!  Amen”(Rom 16:25-27).  God has done so much to bless us and will complete his work, to his glory.

    Sad as it is, some people choose to cause problems in churches, families, and workplaces.  Christians must be peacemakers who seek to mend breaches, not create them.  We first follow Christ in our own relationships, then carefully examine the divisive influences we encounter in order to avoid them.

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One Thing to Think About: What is the difference between standing for truth and being divisive?

One Thing to Pray For:   Harmony within the local church
 

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