ODJ: dismembered
January 7, 2011
If you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another (v.15).
READ: Galatians 5:13-26
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 (Eccl. 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. —Regina Franklin
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?
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