Perhaps, the reason for so much division in the Church is we are trying to make God into our own image.
Think about this next statement carefully and let it sink in: if everyone in the Body of Christ was in complete agreement with God, there would be no division whatsoever!
There is one true Doctrine of Christ; but, there are also many doctrines of men and demons. As it stands, too many are more concerned about their personal image of God than being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. They rather hang onto their pet doctrines as they see them, instead of knowing the Word of God the way the Lord desires them to know it. Because we are more concerned about being right, we tend to argue over Scripture to prove our point. It divides us, and reveals another fact: we are not walking in love. Love holds us together; not our agreeing on doctrine; although, it may lead to agreement. Love maintains relationships in spite of differences of opinion.
We are to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit (see Ephesians 4:1-6), which means we must agree with Holy Spirit to be one Body. Sometimes, He will lead us to do things we don’t like. Obedience requires love, and love will deny the self, pick up the cross and follow Jesus (see Matthew 16:24-25). Godly obedience believes God and seeks to conform to His desires out of love. It full heartedly agrees with Him. This leads to another point: true doctrine conforms to the way God sees things. If we were more concerned about His point of view, we would be able to discuss Scripture with the true aim of finding truth as God sees it. At the same time, allowing Him to reveal Himself as He really is, instead of the way we want to see Him. His Word will come more alive to all of us if we approach it with a sincere and honest heart that is truly passionate about Him. There has to be a willingness to relinquish control of doctrine, and allow Holy Spirit to reveal the true doctrine of God. In turn, it will change the way we think, and conform our thought life to the way Jesus thinks. That is repentance, and with repentance comes agreement with Him.
Ephesians 4:1-6 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
