What’s With The Bickering?
So, what’s with the bickering over theology, especially in open forums? What does it have to do with keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace? It’s one thing to gather together in search for God’s truth as Holy Spirit leads; it’s quite another to have to prove one’s point if it differs from another. When it gravitates to a heated debate, the argument is lost already, even if the point is technically correct. It is a departure from the Spirit, as it moves into carnality.
James 3:14-16 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish (demonic). For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
Humanity desires certainty, and hates to have it disrupted. Therefore, when people have believed a partial truth, untruth or perhaps an outright lie, they can become very emotional when presented with the truth. It causes confusion, which is the polar opposite of certainty. It can be especially hard if their belief was based on what they learned from those they trust. It doesn’t mean there was malicious intent behind it. They simply taught what they thought to be true.
That “certainty” of incorrect teaching lends itself to strongholds, which are things people protect at all cost. “Don’t confuse me with the truth, I’ve already made up my mind.” They prefer error over truth. Truth forces people to look inward, which may challenge them to change. Some don’t want to change, but without it there is no real growth. Ironically, the unwillingness to change can be the very cause of unnecessary suffering.
Of course, there are those who just have to be right. Their pride causes them to double down when they are proven incorrect. It irks them when someone has “the upper hand.” They have to be superior; their worth depends on it. In truth, they’re disconnected with their true identity in Jesus. In some instances, there’s a need for healing. In all cases, they need repentance. If we’re honest, we all do. If we didn’t, we would not be exhorted to renew our minds.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Unity of the Spirit
Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Holy Spirit is the One Who unifies the Body of Christ, as we submit to Him. Without Him, there is no unity. The Church cannot unify itself apart from Him. Even with the best of intentions, we would miss the mark, because we would be leaning on our own understanding. In relation to theology, we could agree on a certain doctrine; but if it is out of alignment with God, it would not be true unity.
Dovetailing off this thought, how many go along to get along in the name of unity? How many have compromised the truth in order to keep the peace? Being at peace with others does not necessarily mean one is at peace with God. If you water down the Word of God to avoid hurting peoples’ feelings, you would be doing more damage than good. Truth guards people from falling into the pit, or least provides opportunity to avoid it.
Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
Withholding the truth is unmerciful. How are people to repent without it? Love rejoices in truth (see 1 Corinthians 13:6); it doesn’t conceal it. This leads to another point; truth requires love to be true. In addition, people are less apt to receive truth as such, when carnally presented.
We are warned about adding to, or taking away from the Word of God. This leads to another question: what if a person’s point of argument is in error, and others are convinced into believing it? That could lead to an unwanted outcome in the end. Of course, if there’s ill-intent behind it (which would make it outright heresy), the consequences could be grave. If we discover we are wrong, are we humble enough to admit and correct it?
By the way, for you heresy hunters, don’t be so quick to point the finger. If you’re hunting, you’re not walking in love. To be sure, we all want to defend the faith. However, doing it by carnal measures can do more damage than good. Of those who are in error, how many of them are truly seeking to deceive others? What if they legitimately believe what they teach, and are sincerely trying to do good? What if you’re the one in error? If they are off, how are you going to have a voice if you’re attacking them? They will not receive from you. To have any real inroads, you have to let love prevail.
How do we defend the faith? Be led of Holy Spirit and walk in love. If we’re fighting amongst ourselves, we are not doing the work of the Kingdom. We are not connecting the lost to His love. A divided house cannot stand.
Remember what Jesus said: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:34-35).
