Opinion Quarrels
Something is causing division in the Body of Christ and it just might be the greatest reason we are not seeing revival we are praying for. Satan could not be more delighted. He “always hates Christian fellowship,” and his policy is to use any means to keep Christians apart. Randy Smith says, “Anything which can divide saints from one another (Satan) delights in … Since union is strength, he does his best to promote separation.” Have you ever seen a time when our divisions were deeper? What if we took steps to correct whatever isolates us from other believers?
“The two outstanding conditions for revival are unity and prayer.”
Stephen Alford
In Romans 14 and 15, the Apostle Paul describes the problem in terms of disputable matters—quarrels of opinion—those disagreements in which it’s permissible for Christians to act in different ways.
Non-essential, morally neither right nor wrong things–disputable matters–can no long be allowed to be the biggest stumbling block. Non-essential issues in the Christian life. These “gray areas” which the Bible doesn’t give clear guidelines. The Greek word is adiaphora, (ἀδιάφορα) mentioned in Romans 14:1.
A disputable matter is one where either side is not plainly right nor wrong, biblical nor unbiblical, moral nor immoral. It is reduced to a matter of conscience or opinion. And yet, we often allow these things to separate us from members of our family, our friends, and each other within the Body of Christ. Unity is essential to gain victory over the real enemy! Issues seem so fight-worthy to those who think are right. Disunity brings reproach and shame to the Name and message of Christ.
My friend, H. Lamar Smith warns, “There is a blatant sectarianism that is repulsive in all of its superior tribal claims. But never forget that there is a subtle sectarianism that has clothed itself in a deceptive sheep’s coat. It is the feeling that my tribe is better than yours. It is the innuendo that suggests the other ones are less sincere than are we, less biblical than us and less committed. It is an attitude, a sorry disposition, a discriminating thought, a divisive slight; all attempts to hide itself from others and ourselves by denial. It is a sectarianism that is shrewd, but sectarian nonetheless.
It can get a little tense and overheated, come to think of it. Those who choose a more strict lifestyle are prone to resent the “freedom flaunters” who think their religion basically allows them to justify any indulgence. At times, I get the feeling that they think what they do is their business and they are not about to restrain themselves. The Apostle Paul begs to differ. In fact, he goes so far as to caution,
“Don’t undo the work of God for a chunk of meat.” Romans 14:20 NLT
Refuse to quarrel over non-essentials. Arguing is pointless and usually unconvincing. Some things are right, because the Bible says they are right; other things are wrong, because the Bible says they are wrong. What the Bible neither condemns nor approves that is often our biggest hangup! We must seek Holy Spirit guidance in the “gray areas” or matters of conscience.
Unity is found in shared goals.
Don’t be confused, “Unity and conformity are not the same thing. Many leaders who speak of unity are actually wanting conformity with their opinion or method or idea. Unity is found in shared goals/ destination (we are all moving in the same direction). Conformity seeks to have everyone act, speak, or think the same way.
“Division is ugly; unity is beautiful,” caution Stephen and Alex Kendrick. “Division has people pulling in opposite or divergent directions. Unity has people pulling together in the same direction. “That’s why the enemy does everything possible to keep God’s people divided. Because once they come together in unity, we gain momentum and take ground for the kingdom” (The Battle Plan for Prayer). When we fuss and debate sideline issues of faith, and end up pushing each other’s hot buttons, what the world sees is not pretty. Pretty ugly in fact. If we want to see our churches flourish, “unity must dwell there, with no selfish motives, bitterness, or pride.
Harmonious relationships in the body of Christ are critical to God. Unity in the church is more important than agreement on debatable, less significant matters in the Christian life. Disputable matters should not disrupt Christian oneness but they do. What shall we do?
Harmonious relationships are critical to God.
Repent. If I have flaunted my freedom or caused a fellow believer to violate his or her conscience in what they allow, forgive me. If I am guilty of portraying a “holier than thou” attitude about my personal convictions in non-essentials, I beg your forgiveness. We cannot see the revival we’re praying for until we see the unity Christ prayed for in John 17:23.
A formula for Revival
Evan Roberts, the leading face of the Welsh Revival in the early 1900s, boiled down his message and his heart’s desire to a few succinct points.” Two are most appropriate to our discussion. As the Spirt convicts (John 16:8) us we must first repent of every known sin. Be brutally honest. Hide nothing. Pray for a rebirth of conscience among all believers.
Second, we must stop every doubtful habit. Even if it is not sin, if it is a hindrance in any way, cease to allow place for it in your life. With God’s help, we can eliminate the doubtful things in our lives that hinder us spiritually and relationally. We need the wisdom and the guidance of Holy Spirit to clarify what is essential to biblical faith and what is non-essential. And please, Lord, show us to path to unity in the Body of Christ.
Disagree agreeably.
We must learn to disagree agreeably when it comes to disputable matters. Pursue what matters. Focus on the things that unify. Strive to be known for our love, righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom.14:17).
If Jim Cymbala is right, “You can’t teach unity, but when we intercede for each other and fight together in prayer, God does the work of bringing us together.” God must help us to start pulling together to achieve greater Kingdom impact. P. Douglas Small concurs: “Unity is not optional but a critical necessity. There is no community without unity, and no unity without humility. Division fractures community. Pride drives division. Humility is the first step toward any sustainable revival.” Though the kingdom of darkness is marked by division, may the Body of Christ be known for its unity.
