I mentioned this before, and I think most people recognize that United States citizens live in a divided country.  We are not one nation under God and we are not indivisible!  However, acknowledging division in our country is one thing; admitting that many divisions exist between churches and Christians is something else altogether, because in theory, we are “spiritual” people.  I recognize that it is not an easy topic to address because the attitudes that define factions within society—such as, “I’m right, and anyone who doesn’t agree with my opinion is wrong”—also exist within the body of Christ.

The apostle Paul takes on this subject when he writes to the Corinthian church (is that where sectarian divisions got their start?), “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.  I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal.  For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

There is no doctrine nor “belief” greater than recognizing who Jesus is and receiving what He has done for us.  Paul also wisely wrote to the Corinthians, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).  Difficulties and divisions arise when we determine to know more than “Jesus Christ”—or believe, Jesus + _____ = salvation.  At one time, I thought certain additional doctrines were essential for salvation—sadly, that type of exclusive belief system disguises an attitude of spiritual pride.  We do not receive salvation through works of righteousness—“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

Initially, my intention was to write this to encourage Christians to pursue unity and cooperation amongst believers, to point out that no pet belief is more important than Jesus and the amazing work of salvation He accomplished for us on Calvary.  And yet, there is a deeper truth to consider here, because even our Savior taught His disciples “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.  I did not come to bring peace but a sword….And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 11:34, 38-39)…not easy words to receive!

I have always focused on the “peace” in this statement, concerned about divisions between those closest to me, while overlooking the “sword”.  However, when we encounter spiritual battles raging in the unseen realm, the sword in hand is an essential piece of our armor:  “And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…” (Ephesians 6:17).  The author of Hebrews writes, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Sometimes the Word of God is going to cause divisions, which is why it is essential that we are not only familiar with the Bible, we must also have an intimate relationship with its Author.  Unfortunately, problems often arise when people handle the sword of the Spirit without the Holy Spirit—at those times it can become an instrument of the flesh, or worse, a weapon in the enemy’s hand to wound and destroy.  Do you recall Satan’s confrontation with Jesus in the wilderness?  He challenged Jesus’ identity and twisted scripture to accomplish his ends and defeat the Son of God; however, Jesus wisely answered the temptations with scripture.  Scripture in the hands of the enemy leads to deception and destruction; Holy Spirit inspired truth leads to peace with God and unity in the Spirit.

It is important to recognize demonic tactics because “the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1, 2).  I do not know when Jesus is going to return to earth, but I do know that now is later than when Paul wrote these words to Timothy.  Honestly, I believe madness and deception are rife in the world right now—and we need Holy Spirit discernment to recognize the enemy’s hyperactive involvement in lives, communities, nations, and the world.

Yet we have the confidence and hope of Jesus’ promise, “When the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me (John 15:26).  He goes on to say, “when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:13, 14).  …and we have the assurance that our Father will give the Spirit to anyone who asks for Him.

Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesian church is all the more relevant to the body of Christ today:  “I…beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

And I love what the Holy Spirit communicates through Peter, “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.  And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:7, 8).