Because my husband and I live in the “Bible Belt” (historically, the South and parts of the Midwest of the US), we can drive for miles around town with at least one church always in view. While the variations of buildings and denominations can be seen as a demonstration of the diversity within the body of Christ, sadly we can also mark far too many of them as divisions from another body. Having experienced a major split in our own church almost 4 years ago, I’m still trying to process the complexity of the situation and the resulting hurt and disillusionment.
Scripture clearly indicates that there are times and seasons when God works within the factions of man. In the Old Testament, God specifically told Rehoboam and his people not to pursue the tribes that were leaving to follow Jeroboam, for their departure was “[the Lord’s] doing” (1 Kings 12:24). Later in the New Testament, irreconcilable differences brought Paul and Barnabas to the point of separation (Acts 15:39).
However, in a world where human trafficking, slavery, and destitution still exist and believers around the world suffer death for the gospel, I often wonder what God thinks of our church disagreements. When we enjoy prosperity, we can forget that church is not really about us. While there are justifiable reasons to rebuild and tear down (Ecclesiastes 3:3), we must realize the high level of accountability in such decisions. Ultimately, the justification should not be our comfort, but God’s Word.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the sinister and divisive powers of the enemy. When our feelings are hurt and our frustration level runs high, it’s a difficult truth to remember. May we live watchful of the hour, so that we might be a pure bride ready for the Bridegroom’s return and not a bride dismembered by factions.
More:
• John 13:34-35
• 1 Corinthians 1:10
• 2 Corinthians 12:20
Next:
How have you allowed a personal hurt to shape your view of the church or others within the church? Why is Jesus so insistent that we understand that the true measure of our discipleship is our love for one another?
Cioli Rodrigues on January 7, 2011 at 6:03 am
Most of divisions are not necessary manytimes, if we could separete the subject from a person, and if we could love as Jesus love people as we see in the NT. I know things are not so easy as we want to be, but it is not good for unbelievers to know we are dismembered by factions. God help us !
eppistle on January 7, 2011 at 6:45 am
One of the the tricks of the enemy is to get sincere Christians to insist on having their way about secondary issues and to villainize other sincere Christians who don’t agree with them about those issues, but who are in agreement with them on the important issues. Love is thrown out the door, and nice people become mean people. In the process, love is thrown out the door. I don’t agree with the axiom of “peace at any price.” There are some principles and truths that can’t be compromised. But even then, we should love our enemies and make sure we understand their point of view rather than turning our opponents views into straw men.
We should also remember the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, especially the line “O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be understood as to understand.”
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light;and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
dja on January 7, 2011 at 9:20 am
Amen, and thank you, Regina and eppistle.
loananna on January 7, 2011 at 10:30 am
Thank you too, Regina and Eppistle…you both are wise. The devotion being the cake and the prayer being the frosting, together they both started my day off right! God Bless
rpep63 on January 7, 2011 at 11:51 am
I think you make an excellent point and show a wise view of the matter. Paul even agrees with you quite clearly.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
We don’t always know why God allows the happenings he does, BUT we can rest in confidence that it will always work out for the best.
Thank you for sharing this message I have grown a little more as a christian for having read it.
unclegene on January 7, 2011 at 12:34 pm
I have been reading ODJ daily for over three years and believe todays’ message touched me more than any I can remember. The prayer is absolutely awesome. Yes thank you Regina and Eppistle.
daisymarygoldr on January 7, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Good post and comments! Sadly, Church disagreements are inevitable. As followers of Christ it is important to know how to handle such situations such that God is honored and the enemy’s strategy is spoiled.
There is no such thing as “agreeing to disagree”. I have seen it for myself that those who follow that piece of human wisdom have themselves failed in graciously agreeing to disagree. When there is a clash of opinions, God’s wisdom says it is not possible for two to walk together unless we agree—i.e. agree about His opinion given in the Bible.
In the case of irreconcilable differences, it is better to peaceably part ways so that God’s work is not hindered. In such instances, there is no love lost and the unity in the Spirit is maintained as we continue to pray for one another. And that is exactly what Paul and Barnabas did. There was no bitterness or competition between them (1 Cor 9: 6).
My personal hurts were due to brash behavior of older believers and so far by God’s grace those hurts have not made me to stay away from church. Although Jesus instructs us to let the other person know that they have hurt us, I do not have the courage to do it. And so, I usually take my wounded heart to the Lord in prayer and He gives me the strength to endure the pain.
Weaker, immature believers like me get easily offended at the liberal views of stronger, more mature believers. However, God gives us the grace to humbly take it in our stride as we learn valuable lessons, move on and continue to do His will. If we bite and devour we will be ashamed to see God’s face when held accountable before His throne.
It is said that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. And the proof of God’s love is seen when we as His church love one another despite our different thoughts and opinions. As far as it is possible it is good to be at peace and stay united for the sake of Christ who gave up His body to be broken for us so that broken people are joined together to be built into His glorious body.
Speaking of dismembered, it is comforting to remember that God’s grace is greater that all our sins. No matter how weak and divided we are, the Father has preserved a faithful remnant to prepare and present us as a chaste virgin without compromise, spot or wrinkle—to be the beautiful bride who has made herself ready for His Son- Jesus Christ.
Are we ready to meet out Bridegroom?
dianalovesjesus2 on January 7, 2011 at 1:55 pm
I am a ‘cradle Roman Catholic’….fallen away, and reconciled. When our Lord first led me back to the Catholic Church, I dove in! …so in love with our Lord, and His people. Then, ….I found the meanest people I had ever met in my life were also members of this Church. 🙁 I have, as a result, distanced myself from the Church…no….the people. I go to Mass every Sunday….but no one knows me, and I don’t know anyone there, either….hum ….ok, yes, I am in prayer about this!! ty 🙂 <3
eppistle on January 7, 2011 at 6:23 pm
A pastor friend of mine had been in the Marines. Some people in his church started a split. He told me that he never met people in the Marines that were as mean-spirited as the people in his church.
I’ve met mean people also from the church, but I’ve met far more kind and loving people. The mean people might be even meaner if they hadn’t become Christians, but it’s also possible that they really aren’t Christians, but instead they are the weeds planted among the wheat (see Matthew 13:24-30).
So Diana, don’t let a few mean people turn you off from the church. There are good churches out there with genuine loving Christians. The church is not the building or the worship service. It’s the people. So don’t keep your distance from the people, but find people who will love you just the way you are, but help you become all that God wants you to be. That’s what Hebrews 10:24-25 is all about.
dianalovesjesus2 on January 9, 2011 at 12:04 am
I think one thing that is important for me to remember is that I also met the most wonderful people in this same Church….it is truly a ‘rock tumbler’….and we knock the hard edges off of each other…some lovingly, others, not so much. I have always tended to be a solitary person….being hurt gave me the excuse to isolate….but I think our gracious Lord would have me ‘integrate’ a bit more once more…hold me in your prayers! <3 (I especially liked the Hebrews ….there is encouragement to be had…and I am needing that, too)
Mr_Firstman on January 7, 2011 at 9:12 pm
i have been attending our CHRISTian church for almost two years now…and i am still not intimately close with anyone.. all the time i go to the service alone watching other people as they chat with each other..BUT YOU KNOW WHAT?..it does not bother me at all. and it does not even discourage me from coming to church regularly because God always reminds me that it’s not because of the people why i am at the church..it’s because of HIM.. for me to hear lessons and testimonies from the church about HIM.
LET US ALL PRAISE HIM because HE NEVER REALLY FORSAKES ANYONE.!