A Word to the Wise Lifeandbibleblog.com
By Cynthia Cummings-Walker
Many Christians have gotten really comfortable in America because there is freedom of religion. They are secure that no governmental interference can stop them from practicing their faith. However, this is a false sense of security if one believes that only those on the outside can destroy what is inside the church. Not so. There is a war raging within the Church, and primarily over politics.
Individuals who agree on secular politics are considered comrades in arms. Those with a different viewpoint are seen as an enemy in an all-out war. This seething animosity is having devastating effects in the Church and in many Christian circles. This war is the antithesis of how Christians are required to live.
When a person is born again, they become a part of God’s family. The old way of living is gone, and a new nature is given (2 Corinthians 5:17). All of this bickering is not reflective of a new life in Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote: “for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?” 1 Corinthians 3:3 (NLT)
This abhorrent behavior is comparable to ‘christian’ cannibalism. Galatians 5:14–15 says: “ For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.”
Casualties of War
Christians are a part of God’s family yet are overlooking the consequences of being at war with each other. When surveying the combat zone, the unity that Christians are commanded to have is in tatters on the battlefield. It is scattered with broken and destroyed relationships, dry bones, broken people, the spiritually dead, deceived, and deserted. Many have been injured or mortally wounded in a barrage of false doctrines, personal attacks, Christians shooting their wounded, and fraternizing with the enemy.
Scripture Forbids Believers to be Comrades with Unbelievers
There is no problem with Christians having friendly relationships with unbelievers. Having similar interests is one thing, collaboration is another.
“You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.” James 4:4 (NLT)
Christians should love people, minister to them in both word and deed. However, beyond that if we partner or join forces with them this is a violation of the Lord’s command.
“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?…. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 (NLT)
Since a Christian’s overall responsibility is to be salt and light, how can a Christian justify being joined with the god of this world whose agenda is to blind unbelievers and oppose the gospel?
“If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News.” 2 Corinthians 4:3–4 (NLT)
Other People Are Not the Enemy
Although some may see the battle as against the person of the opposite political party, this fight is not merely a war of words between people. Sadly, so many Christians have lost focus on who the real enemy is, and what the conflict is ultimately about. The enemy is the devil.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith….” 1 Peter 5:8–9 (NLT)
Satan wants to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). Causing division, strife and warfare amongst Christians is a part of the devil’s masterplan. Scripture is straightforward about who the enemy is and what type of war Christians are fighting.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 (NASB)
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” 2 Corinthians 10:3–4 (NASB)
God, our Commander in Chief, has given Christians His battle plan, and the battle gear to put on in this spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:13–17 (NASB) “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” James 4:7 (NASB) “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Be Reconciled to God and One Another
There are severe consequences for disobeying the Lord’s orders. When a Christian has a chink in their armor by being devoted to politics, or no armor at all, it was easy for the devil to incite internal conflict all in the name of government.
The Church is not immune from the consequences of sin or discipline from the Lord. A lot of people think that because God loves us means that He has a “warm fuzzy feeling” like a loving parent has for their child. Not so. God is holy and that is the measure by which He judges. Therefore, if we replace God’s righteous standards with human emotion that will override the consequences of sin, we have missed the mark.
It can be confusing. The Bible uses anthropopathisms (attributing human emotions to God) to help us relate to God in ways mankind can understand. God’s emotions are pure, based on His righteous standards. Depending on experiences we have had, human emotions can cloud our judgement or distort truth.
Let’s say that a woman has been abused by her father, her husband or other men in her life. God represents Himself as a man. This can negatively affect her emotions regarding God because she believes that a man cannot be trusted. Since we have a sin nature, human emotions can be corrupted. God’s emotions are incorruptible because He is God.
Once Christians know that they have been disobeying the Lord’s commands, a cease fire is warranted, weapons dropped, confession of sin and asking God for forgiveness.
1 John 1:9–10 (NKJV) “ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Rebellion has Consequences
When Christians choose not to cease and desist this ungodly behavior, divine discipline from the Lord is on the way. God is longsuffering and patient, yet there comes a point when rebellion continues and the Lord has to put a stop to it.
“For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all….. God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” Hebrews 12:6–11 (NLT)
In Conclusion, Unify
1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT) “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”
The Apostle Paul writes: “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace...” Ephesians 4:1–6 (NLT)
Questions for Reflection
“Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.” 1 Kings 18:21 (NLT)
What Do You Say?
Who Will You Obey?
“You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” Ephesians 2:2 (NLT)
A Word to the Wise 