HOW TO IDENTIFY AND DEAL WITH DIVISIVE PEOPLE
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” – Romans 16:17-20
We’re All Guilty of Being Divisive
Now, before we hike up too high on our horse at all this, let’s think plainly about our own sins here. I suspect that many (if not all) of us have been involved in some of these things. At one point, we’ve all probably made a show of our biblical knowledge and creativity – not to serve Jesus, but our own appetites for attention. We’ve spoken untrue praise to someone’s face to avoid social awkwardness. And I’m sure we’ve all gossiped, exaggerated or complained about someone to others, setting our listeners against them.
This is the time for us to make amends before we get to the end of this message. Let us look into our spirit and see where we are and the change we can make to move forward in these uncertain times.
We must beware that these things are no mere trifles. They are the subtle evils of Satan slithering into our lives and church. We must avoid those who are pros at these things and we must pursue unity, doctrinal helpfulness and honest speech. There are some who learn how to lie and speak untruth and they have become very scandalous and deceitful in every corner. They have graduated in lying and spreading rumours and scandals. They have one thing in mind and that is to destroy the saints of God and moreso, those that are trying to walk in the path of righteous.
