“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrel.”

2 Timothy 2:22-23 (ESV)

The Bible tells us the proof that someone is a true Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, is demonstrated by their faith, love and peace. This evidence is not seen because of a natural goodness manufactured by one’s own efforts.

Those who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior by faith have done so through the convicting power of God’s Spirit. That same Spirit will continue the work of God to transform that person’s life. Faith, love, and peace are the work of the Holy Spirit. The evidence that someone is a child of God is seen when that individual is submitted to God and following His Spirit.

It is very obvious to see that the same problem that existed in the early church, for which the apostle Paul admonished them to flee and to avoid, has a powerful influence on us today. Right now within the body of believers, there is a passion for a life of pleasure and a controversial spirit, causing many quarrels and divisions. This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t avoid the controversies of the world, but instead we should speak to it as a unified church.  

Satan’s goal is to use division to distract from what is important and to weaken God’s family, so that the world has no desire to listen to the good news of salvation through Christ. It is time for Christians to stop forming allegiances to individuals, messages and ideologies of the world. More time should be spent in strengthening their relationship with their Heavenly Father. 

The adversary cannot destroy the church. However through deception, Satan can cause us to be ineffectual for the kingdom by dividing us over foolish controversies. Divisive issues are hatched from the world’s view of what is truth. All information, regardless from family, politicians or movements, must be compared to the truth of God’s Word.

This week, rather than quarrelling with your brother or sister in Christ, spend more time fellowshipping with God in His Word and in prayer. When this is done, there will grow more unity and less division within God’s family. This in turn will shine the light of the hope of the gospel for the world to see.