There is little doubt
that one of Satan's tactics, in his effort to "kill and destroy"
(Jn.
10:10), is to
divide and conquer. He knows that if he can get Christians to "bite and
devour one another"
(Gal.
5:15) that he will
not only win the parties involved, but will also turn others away from
Christ.
Satan doesn't care
whether the division among Christians arises from personal disputes,
cultural differences, or doctrinal issues. He's willing to use any and
all avenues of driving wedges and splintering the body of Christ, one
congregation at a time.
Knowing this to be one of
Satan's devices should motivate Christians to foil his plan by being
determined to "be of one mind"
(2
Cor. 13:11). Of
course, in order to do this we must have "compassion for one another;
love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous"
(1
Pet. 3:8).
Diverse personality
traits will sometimes provoke disputes among brethren. When that happens
we need to remember that we are commanded to "pursue peace with all men"
(Heb.
12:14). That means
work at it! Otherwise, it is bound to result in bitterness, which will
"cause trouble, and by this many become defiled"
(Heb.
12:15).
The handling of doctrinal
differences is another area in which we need to work hard in order to
maintain, if at all possible, peace among our brethren. There is no
doubt that we must be willing to "contend earnestly for the faith"
(Jude
3), but we can do
that without being contentious. Our defense of the truth must be
accompanied by a sincere desire to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the
bond of peace"
(Eph.
4:3).
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