Divisiveness Within the Church

Catholic vs Protestant. Denomination vs. denomination. It’s all Satan’s psyop – don’t fall for it.

Tearing down other Christian denominations and attacking their beliefs is not Godly, is not sanctioned by Scripture, and exhibits a spirit of criticism. Correction and rebuke are properly provided in love. Let’s learn how:

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1).

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Encouragement

My first summer at the U.S. Air Force Academy proved physically and mentally exhausting. At 7,000 feet altitude, oxygen for my sea-level lungs was continuously in short supply. Heat from the Colorado sun, hunger from food hazing, and thirst were continuous companions. Exercise and training played on constant repeat. I arrived fit and trim, but still lost twenty-seven pounds in two weeks. And above all sounded a continuous roll of shouting, barking, and yelling – encouragement – from the cadre. Yet, this was not my first military experience, and in at least one way, it was very refreshing.

In contrast to earlier military training, these cadre wanted us to rise to the challenge and succeed, not succumb and wash out. And even though 29% of my class eventually left, that number would’ve been higher were it not for the positive intention of the cadre’s attention.

This, Christian, is proper exhortation.

Exhortation versus Spiritual Criminalization

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:26)

Christian exhortation originates from a high place, and its aim is to build others up, even while tearing down ungodliness within. Like the cadre, it comes from those who’ve mastered the course, ran the race, and endured the very hardships they are doling out. It’s the entire book of James, repeatedly reaching up from the page and slapping the reader in the face, telling them where to cut weakness and build strength, all to grow the church’s godliness.

Criticizing, on the other hand, comes from a low place, and its goal is to tear down. Those who criticize usually have not made the cut, are struggling to finish the race, and are discouraged in their standing. Where exhortation is to improve another’s position, criticism’s aim is self-focused, to tear others down so the giver might feel better about their own low status. Criticism is spiritual criminalization of another for selfish gain.

“But Christ called the Pharisees ‘sons of Satan’ and drove the moneychangers from the temple with a whip. That’s criticizing.”

OK. So, as soon as the denomination across the street with whom you disagree denies Christ and attempts to stifle the good news you are preaching by attempting to murder you, do likewise. However, if your disagreements are a matter of theology and interpretation, of matters of the head and not the heart, of earthly practices and not spiritual realities, of meat sacrificed to idols and not idolatry itself, then exhort.

Forcing God’s Hand

God is a jealous God, and he passionately defends His children, even (and especially) those imperfect. After all, only God has all the facts. Even those tested and approved are still flawed, aren’t we? Because God doesn’t reveal everything broken all at once. Instead, slowly, over time, He reveals and works out our flaws one by one. Thus, when we criticize a fellow Christian, it’s the old cliché of the pot calling the kettle black. What happened to the unmerciful servant when he refused to provide to others the same measure of mercy that he’d received? He was handed over to the torturers (reference Matthew 18:21-35). Similarly, we too run the risk of severe spiritual reprimand when we criticize other Christians.

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2).

“It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35).

Criticizing other Christians forces God’s hand against us. It places us in the middle of a spiritual trial with a jealous God sitting as judge, and we’ve violated His bride. God is a Christian’s defender, and He will avenge and repay. This isn’t a side of God I ever want to experience. Mercy is our friend, and we receive it by giving it. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

Exhort in Love

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

So, how to exhort instead of criticize? Correcting a critical spirit within ourselves is straightforward. First, get yourself to a high position. Are you tested and qualified to address the issue at hand? Is God leading you to speak? If not, be silent. If so, before you exhort, speak aloud the truth of God’s love for the person or people you are about to address.

“God loves those blasphemous, hateful people of the pagan denomination across the street.”

No, that’s not what I mean. 🙄

“God loves the people of that denomination so much that He sent His Son to die for them, just as he did for me.”

Much better. This helps frame our mindset moving forward. Now, address the issue by providing God’s love, understanding it isn’t passive, nor does it say, “You’re OK remaining in your brokenness.” Instead, it corrects, rebukes, and instructs to build up. Confront that believer, in love. Write that email, in love. Provide truth, in love. Purpose to build up, not tear down.

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16).

Whatever you do, do it from the highest position, from that of love for others. This is a heart issue. When the desire to correct others in their Christian faith arises, test the spirits. Discern. Get yourself to a secure place of love before you speak or before your fingers hit the keyboard.

Correct the heart, and what comes from the mouth will follow.