Redeemed and Rewritten - Part XVI
Scripture:
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” Romans 16:17
Observation:
Pastor Julius brought the Word on Sunday! We finished our series in Romans, which consistently presents a common theme: share the gospel, leave sin far behind us, and be like Christ.
Paul reminds us to be aware of divisive people and not to associate with them. Don’t be mistaken; that does not mean to not love them, to not pray for them, or to not acknowledge them. John 13:35 says, “by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” We are called to exemplify Christ in conduct, in speech, and in our lives. It does, however, mean we are not to run the race of our faith with them or surround ourselves with them. They can, and often will, trip you up. We cannot play “savior” to those we don’t want to let go of because they could potentially drag us down with them.
Pastor reminded us that if we want to discern whether someone is divisive, watch the spirit behind what they say and what they do. Actions of the enemy and actions of Christ will look far different from one another; the fruit they each bear–rotten or healthy. The more we are in the Word and the presence of our living God, the more we can discern the difference. Stay watchful, stay prayerful, stay full of grace.
Application:
Admittedly, I’ve been on both sides of divisiveness. There have been moments in my life where it was easier to gossip than to deal with the situation at hand; the situation, originally minimal, was made larger than life by my own mouth. It poisoned friendships, strained relationships, and, simply put, made my spirit ugly.
Divisiveness will always aggravate a spirit that is born fresh by the Holy Spirit. Make no mistake, what is in a person's heart will always come out of their mouth (Luke 6:45). Watch who you surround yourself with; pray for those who cause strife and division, and challenge them with the Word of God in love. Make every effort to line up your entire life with the Word of God.
It’s not easy to lay our flesh down and submit to the Holy Spirit who pushes us to be better. It’s not easy to be called out by a friend when we step out of our convictions and beliefs. Sin makes us comfortable–but only in the moment. Jesus didn’t say our lives would be comfortable. If we want to look like Him, it’s going to take work.
Jesus goes after all the lost sheep that are us. It’s me, it’s you, and it’s them too. One is never too far gone for the miraculous to take place in a truly repentant and humble heart.
Prayer:
Lord, I repent and turn from anything that keeps me separated from You—sin, lust, anger, gossip—anything. Keep me in line with Your Holy Spirit. Keep my heart and my mouth from being divisive. Allow me to share the gospel and truly love others. I want to be like You; I want to look like You, Lord. I don’t want a tongue that separates, but one that is filled with life. Help me call those around me higher and challenge others in their walk. Keep me in line with Your will, that I may live a life that is laid down before You in all that I am and all that I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.