Growing through Division

Anita Delene Manthe
Dec 5, 2016
2 min read

A common experience in ministry is division. Relationships can be hard and difficult. Sadly, this is often true in cross-cultural ministry. We need to be vigilant, and sensitive to the culture and traditions of those we minister to but we are not to be held captive to them, nor to their manner of life and living. Culture and tradition is not to control ministry, culture and tradition is to be subject to Biblical teaching. However, situations do occur where words and deeds are misunderstood either in error or intentionally.

When in error simple explanations given to correct the misunderstanding will be graciously accepted, unity is achieved, relationships are strengthened, and the body of believers is matured. They are blessed. This is true because of their supreme affection for Christ who unites the souls of the humble. The Lord being glorified is their mutual and united desire.

The Lord blesses and honors those who strive to honor and love Him.

When the opposite is true and division results it is most often due to differing moral opinions and principles. Division occurs when a community is forced to choose a side based on sentiment and bolstered through attracting the weak and unsettled to side with antagonists. This happens when there is no real spiritual unity, little and / or no love in a church community. Their love may be weak, immature, and lacking the understanding of what they are called to in a Christ honoring community. They may not have been taught what living in a Christ honoring community calls them to, and that they are accountable for their personal sin.

When these divisions occur it can be discouraging and it does affect many. We are left questioning why, wondering if any good can come from such strife and division. Yes, it can. Division should encourage us to examine our heart, our position, our morality and our principles.

What do we believe?
Are our thoughts and principles Biblical?
Are they Christ exalting?
What is the Lord doing?
Why has He allowed this?
What does He want us to know about our community, its lack, and its reality?
Is there a difference between the community’s professed theology and their practical theology? What should I do about it?
What can we as a community do to change and grow?

There have to be factions or parties among you in order that they who are genuine and of approved fitness may become evident and plainly recognized among you (1 Corinthians 11:19).
Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin (Luke 17:1-2).
The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him (2 Chronicles 16:9).
We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls (Hebrews 10:39).