amidst nominal Christians but also among those who stand in the truth. Now and then, we do hear about a division happening in a church of God. Some of us might have the past experience of undergoing division even within our own church. Even among worldly organisations, a needless division is not appreciated. If so, it is a shame to have divisions among us, who claim to be the believers of the truth. On the occasion of this Memorial Day, let us deliberate with an open mind on this topic. With frankness and honesty, let us try to find out the reasons for which a church can divide and the reasons for which it should not. Let us also explore what we, as individuals and as a church, can to do to prevent unnecessary divisions.
(2) Firstly, let us meditate on the reasons over which there should not be divisions among us. Jude says that wicked desires are the reasons for many divisions among the elect (Jude 1:18,19). Truly, the reasons for many divisions are fleshly desires like greed, envy and pride. James also concludes that fleshly desires are the major reasons for the fights among the elect (James 4:1,2). Therefore, we need to be very careful because if become responsible for such divisions and if we do not repent, we would be treading down the path of eternal destruction (Jude 1:12). Let us explore each of these fleshly desires in detail. Paul says that the lust for money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 1:10). And it remains as a major reason for splits in many churches. Even though it is difficult for the desire for money to enter directly into our churches, we have to be cautious that it does not do so indirectly. Especially, we should not permit conflicts to come up among us about the money collected or donated for God’s ministry. There should not be competition for such money among churches or individuals. We should not be deceived by Satan into thinking that since the money is being collected for only church or ministry purposes, it cannot be a wrong to desire for it. If there is competition or confusion about such money, we should be the first ones to come forward and forfeit that money. At the same time, the donors of money to churches must check more than once to be sure that the money they are donating is not creating fissures amidst the brethren. Even though donating money for the works of the Gospel is a good thing, it can result in the stumbling of many if not done properly. Therefore, it is important that those who give and those who receive, maintain proper accounts. It is desirable that these accounts be kept publicly as this would avoid many potential problems. Some may wonder why we, who are united in love, need to keep accounts. But they are forgetting that what Apostle Peter asked of Ananias and Sapphira was also in essence an account (Acts 5:1-11). Similarly, Paul permits only those who are approved of being worthy by the church to handle money and infact details a plan about how to collect money (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). Therefore, every church needs to plan its handling of money. It is essential for every member to participate in this planning. If we were to become negligent, and forego all responsibility to the elders or senior brethren, then we might become reason for their stumbling later on. Similarly, if a brother enquires about the accounts, instead of becoming sensitive, it is our responsibility to show him the full financial records. This is because we are accountable to both God and to our brethren. So, it is wrong to question a brother’s right to ask for the accounts. As suggested earlier, such problems can be avoided if the accounts were kept publicly and updated systematically. In the same way, even those who wish to make donations must be vigilant to see that their contributions are not becoming causes of divisions. They should exercise all caution in this regard. It is important to be careful. In fact, it is better not to make a contribution which would divide a church or divide churches.
(3) Another fleshly desire that causes divisions among the elect is the craving for posts and respect. Many wish to split; when they regard that they did not receive proper respect or got appointed to a fitting post in the church. Such people have not clearly understood the nature of our spiritual calling. We have been called not to gain honours and titles in this world but to serve. Christ says that the greatest among us should be like a servant to everyone else (Matthew 23:11). There is none who is greater or smaller among the brethren. Everyone is equal. Therefore, there is no necessity for red carpets and special privileges for some among us. Christ says that, it is only the gentiles that fight over such things (Luke 22:25,26). Sometimes, we might not be given the respect which we think we truly deserve. But, what if we do not get it? What is the loss? Will we lose the place and honours that are reserved for us in heaven where no thief can rob? Surely not. It is in fact not appropriate to expect any recognition when we are in this world. Since God’s eternal judgement would be just, we need not be anxious about anything. He will bestow upon the honours we truly deserve. We worry so much about the little insults we might encounter only because of our pride. The thought how this thing can happen to me comes into our head. We think, how can I be insulted this way? But, was not Christ insulted? Therefore, it is wrong to separate for such reasons of the flesh. Honour is a worldly vanity. It is not a worthy reason to break our holy brotherly fellowship. When we are humiliated, we need to feel encouraged thinking that it is an opportunity to help us to grow further in patience and tolerance which are important attributes of love. Similarly, we should also not be envious about a fellow brother becoming an elder or getting an honour. There is no place for envy in brotherly love. If we think he is unsuitable for the position of an elder, then it is our responsibility to point this out during the election to choose an elder (See Scripture Study – Blossom 02:March 10, para 1). But even after that, if he is elected by the majority, we must abide by the decision of the church. We need to accept with humility that the judgement of the majority might be better than our own. Suppose our judgement was right, the others would also soon realize it. Until then it is essential to be patient. Unless the elder affects our personal spiritual life directly, it is unnecessary to leave the church. Even then as Jesus says, we must decide to separate only after we have independently or as a group attempted vainly to counsel him (Matthew 18:15,16). We must attempt to avoid division as much as possible.
(4) So far, we have seen that divisions in church should not take place due to reasons of the flesh. If so, the question that arises in the mind is when a division is permissible. Only when there is a difference of opinion about doctrines, division is permissible. But, two questions arise. The first question is for which of the doctrines is division permissible? It is wrong to separate due to differences with regard to prophetic understandings or typical studies. Prophecies, Type-Anti types and like doctrines are heavily based on interpretations. Hence, it is natural for people to have different points of view on such matters. Since God has endowed man with a free will, it is not wrong for people in the same church to subscribe to varied interpretations of prophecies and Type-Anti types. Only when there is a difference in the understanding of the fundamental doctrines, it is permissible to separate. But, how are we to decide which are the fundamental doctrines? Let us thank Apostle Paul, for he has listed what these doctrines are. Paul says that repentance, faith, baptism, anointment of the Holy Spirit (the laying on of hands), the resurrection of the dead, and the eternal judgment of God are the foundational elementary teachings about Christ (Hebrews 6:1,2). It is necessary for us to grow beyond these elementary doctrines but they truly are the basic doctrines. There can be no difference of opinion among us with regards to our doctrines about faith, baptism, Holy Spirit, eternal judgment and the need for repentance. To state briefly, an accurate knowledge regarding the ransom sacrifice of Christ and the calling of the church is fundamental to each Christian. Therefore, there is no doubt that doctrines which are against these are wrong. For example, to believe in the existence of hell is in contradiction to a proper understanding of the ransom sacrifice of Christ. Hence, it is apt to separate for the sake of difference of opinion with regards to such basic doctrines. On the other hand, doctrines like whether the thousand year reign has begun or not, chronologies, interpretation of prophecies and prophetic dates, Messengers, do not in anyway affect the basic doctrines and therefore are no good reasons to split a church. We must remember that Paul did not refer to them as fundamental doctrines. It is only healthy for church members to have exchange of ideas on these topics. And each should weigh the arguments and accept that which seems accurate to them. God has given them free will and hence none should attempt to force others to accept their point of view. Only healthy discussions must be permitted. If we look at it, the foundation that unites us is indeed marvellous. Anyone who has such a foundation of Christ is our brother in Christ without question (1 Corinthians 3:11). Anyway, the second question that arises is that, should we separate as soon as differences begin regarding the basic doctrines of Christ? Certainly not. To the maximum extent we must try to win back the brother or brothers who have a different doctrine. This is what Jude calls as snatching from the fire (Jude 1:23). Indeed, a baptised brother is heading towards second death when he errs in his understanding of the elementary teachings. Therefore, it is our responsibility to correct his misunderstanding. Only if he was unwilling to listen to reason and is leading other brethren also into error, then do we need to start thinking about separating from him or separating him.
(5) Finally, for the elders and everyone in the church there are some responsibilities which need to be underscored. Firstly, we need to exhibit impartial love towards all the brethren. If we are partial towards those brethren whom we know closely or who are from the same town, then we will not be able to come to an unbiased decision when problematic issues crop up among us. This is the primary reason for ‘groupism’ developing among brethren. Yahweh God loves us all in an impartial manner. We should also possess such an impartial spiritual love. Worldly aspects like ‘blood ties, caste and familiarity’ should not influence our spiritual love. Moving on, we should be careful not to believe or spread gossips about other brethren. This is very important. We have the tendency to believe the gossips spread by brethren whom we know personally and thereby get biased against other brethren whom we do not know personally. This is very wrong. Even worldly penal codes have the good and decent principle of not coming to a conclusion before thorough investigation. If so, how much more careful should we, God’s elect, be! Hence, even if an elderly brother of our church speaks evil about another brother, we should not believe him right away without investigating his claims. Infact, no one has the right to speak evil about someone behind their back. Christ’s warning that those who call a brother as a fool will be subject to judgement should be kept in mind (Matthew 5:22). If we notice a mistake in a brother, we have no right to publicise it. We should at first approach him in private and advise him. Christ has given a systematic way to deal with such situations (See Matthew 18:15,16). If we follow it, there is no scope or need to speak evil behind the back of a person. Hence, if someone is speaking evil about someone else behind their back to us, it is our duty to ask them to stop their gossip and advise them to follow the systematic way spelt out by Christ. We should not encourage their evil speaking. In the same way, we should not spread such gossips and hearsays. That is tantamount to sinning against a brother. Bible has condemned evil speaking strongly in many places (James 4:11, 1 Peter 2:1,2). Indeed, both spreading and listening to gossips and hearsays are inappropriate. Truly, if listeners refuse to listen to gossips, who can go on gossiping? Moreover, some brethren’s faults may become proven. If they are unrepentant, such brethren should be excommunicated from the church until they repent but even they should not be spoken evil against. We have to keep in mind that, Michael did not speak evil about even Satan (Jude 1:11, See Scripture Study – Blossom 02:March 10, para 6 (3)). Gossiping is something innate to humans. Being curious beings, it is also sweet to our ears to listen to stories about others. But, we should heed to Scriptural warnings and avoid such behaviour. Otherwise, we are sure to earn God’s wrath. If each and every brother tries to avoid speaking and listening to gossips, many needless divisions can be averted.
(6) Moving on, sometimes bitterness may arise between brethren. In that case, our first priority should be to make peace with the brother who has something against us (Matthew 5:23,24). We should not let that bitterness grow and become hard. If we knowingly allow it to develop, we will be subject to judgement (Matthew 5:25,26). It has to be noted that Jesus does not say that we should try to rectify only legitimate bitterness. Even if the bitterness on the part of the other brother was not legitimate in our eyes, we should still try to rectify it. Meanwhile, one should not get bitter over needless and petty worldly matters. We should remember that if we unjustly become bitter with a brother, that also will put us under God’s judgement (Matthew 5:22). Hence, one should not get bitter easily. Paul says that our bitterness should subside before the sun goes down, lest we will be giving opportunity for Satan (Ephesians 4:26,27). Hence, we should not continue to chew bitter events that had happened long time back and remain in bitterness. Likewise, we should solve all the disputes that arise between brethren only based on love. We should never, ever approach worldly courts and authorities (1 Corinthians 6:1). Paul says that disputes between brethren should be solved by having neutral brethren as judges. The disputing parties should find and agree upon a neutral brother and then obey whatever is the judgement of that brother. On the other hand, taking such disputes to worldly courts is a shameful thing (1 Corinthians 6:2-6). Instead of that, Paul says that it is better to be wronged and even cheated (1 Corinthians 6:7). One may think that such a strategy is suitable for petty disputes. But, how can it be adequate for disputes involving big money or wealth. The whole world is destined to be destroyed and hence all that is in it is petty. Hence, no matter how big the loss is, it is wrong to approach a worldly court against a brother. If a brother continues to be unrepentant, the biggest punishment we can give to such a brother is excommunication. Even that is given to make him understand his mistake. We should not worry if such an approach results in loss of money or wealth to us. If a brother files a false case against us in a worldly court, it is necessary for us to fight it to prove our innocence. But, we should never, ever file a case against another brother, doing so would be wrong is what Paul says (1 Corinthians 6:1-7). Those brothers who transgress Paul’s advice and files cases in worldly courts should not be encouraged by other brethren. They should be rebuked.
(7) The major reason for the quarrels present in the Corinthian church was the adulation given to preachers like Apollo and Paul by the Corinthian Christians (1 Corinthians 3:4). Even today, divisions happen because some brethren blindly adulate the preachers or elders they like. The blind allegiance some have for the brother who brought them into the truth is a reason for such adulation. Corinthian Christians were like this (1 Corinthians 3:5,6). It is God who brought us into the truth. None can come to him, unless called by God, says Christ (John 6:44). Hence, the brother who brought us into the truth is a mere tool in the hands of God. We can have love and respect for him. But, as we saw before, we have an obligation to have an impartial love towards all the brethren. Hence, even if it was our own Church’s elder or elderly brother who was creating divisions among the brethren, we should not blindly follow him without introspection. Let it be our elder or a senior brother, if he tries to break the church for wrong reasons, we should not encourage him by going along with him. Instead, if we go along with him, not only will we be guilty of encouraging him in his sin, we will also be responsible for the stumbling of many due to that division. On the other hand, if we refuse to go along with that brother and rebuke him, there is a chance that he may repent of his ways. Do Reflect. If a brother continues in sin or wrong doing without repentance, we should indeed excommunicate him from the church (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-5). But, if all the other members of the church behave in an impartial manner, none of them will go along with that erring brother. The church will not divide. The isolation of the erring brother will make him more likely to repent.
(8) We saw that divisions among the elect can take place only if there are differences regarding fundamental doctrines about Christ. We also saw what the fundamental doctrines about Christ are. We also saw that on the other doctrines, which do not change the fundamental doctrines about Christ like prophetic interpretations, typical studies, parable interpretations, there should be healthy discussions and exchange of ideas respecting the free will given by Yahweh God, instead of quarrels and divisions. Moreover, on issues of money and posts, there should not be competition but sacrifice and patience. Finally, we also saw how each member of a church should behave in a responsible manner to avoid needles divisions. Importantly, we saw that every member of a church should introspect hard before taking sides in a dispute situation. Nobody should be followed blindly. Because, sometimes, divisions happening due to wordly reasons may be painted outwardly as doctrinal divisions. Only those brethren who introspect before taking a decision will be able to discern it clearly. Truly, brotherly fellowship is invaluable. Christ prayed to God that we may be united (John 17:22). Hence, we should not take the divisions that happen among us lightly. Needless divisions are brought by Satan. We must be awake to prevent being used as a tool by him. We should never be a reason for divisions among brethren, directly or indirectly. Let us not stop there but. If some needless divisions have happened already, let us try and mend them. Peacemakers are blessed! In this holy Memorial Day, let us take a vow that we will work hard for the unity of the church. Only if we are united, we can serve God better. Divisions among us do harm our spiritual work of preaching the gospel. The great privilege of being the one body of Christ i.e. the Church, was made possible by the blood shed by Jesus in the cross on the Nisan 14 of 33 A.D. Hence, we should not break this holy fellowship, won by Christ’s precious blood for petty reasons. Doing so would be a big crime. While talking about the divisions in the Corinthian church, Paul warns them that If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him (1 Corinthians 3:16,17). That warning still stands before us. We know that we, the church are that temple. Hence, let us be extremely careful. Memorial Day is a day for self introspection. In this Memorial Day, let us ask ourselves whether we have done or whether we are doing all that we can to preserve, promote and restore unity among the brethren!
‘A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself’ (NIV) (I Corinthians 11:28)