Divided we Stand?

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"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" (Phil 2:3)

Divisions in Churches are sometimes around personalities or due to various doctrinal emphases or disputes or differences of opinion.

Though it is Christ who redeemed us, some people stick around personalities: "I am of Paul... I am of Apollos... I am of Cephas." And there is yet another group — an interdenominational denomination—"I am of Christ" (1 Cor 1:11-13). Paul was perhaps well aware of this problem well ahead and that was why he didn't baptize too many people. Thank God for a preacher like Paul who did not keep a record of baptisms! "I do not know if I baptised any other," he said (v16). If Jesus had baptized people, they would have claimed that their baptism was superior to others. So He let His disciples do the baptizing (Jn 4:1,2).

Divisions may also be due to various doctrinal emphases. If baptism becomes everything you will end up starting the Baptist denomination. If you are always occupied with the doctrine of priesthood of all believers and that women should not speak in assemblies, you will become a Brethren denomination. And so on.

Thirdly, divisions are caused by disputes and differences of opinion. The Holy Spirit has faithfully recorded how Paul and Barnabas separated from each other following a sharp disagreement (Acts 15:36-41). Both were anointed prophets, faithful teachers and committed missionaries. This incident is not meant to let us excuse our splits and separations on petty things. On the other hand, this example is written for us lest we repeat this mistake (1 Cor 10:11).

The condition for continuous revival blessing is best stated in Psalm 133. God's people must live in unity and then the Lord will "command" His blessings forevermore! Why can't all the Churches in a city have a combined prayer meeting once a month atleast? If all join together and conduct Gospel Crusades, financial stress would be minimised! Duplication and competitions can be avoided. The demon of Casteism must also be cast out from our rank and file. It's the Cross of Christ which breaks down the walls of division (Eph 2:13-15). If two diametrically opposite groups like Jews and Gentiles could come together, which groups cannot?

Bind us together, Lord, bind us together
With cords that cannot be broken;
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together, Lord,
Bind us together with love!

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