Today's Reading:Old Testament: Judges 4 - 5
New Testament: Romans 16
Focus Verses: Romans 16:17-18
17I urge you, brothers, 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. 18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
Insight:
Fellowship among Christians is threatened by those who confuse the clear teachings of scripture with their own opinions, agendas, or selfish interests. These create obstacles to unity. Christians must be on guard against conflicts and circumspect about the people who start them.
Response and Action:
I need to be discerning about people and influences that would damage Christian community. Are problems arising out of selfish motives? Are opinions and issues raised contrary to scriptural teaching and precedent? I need be careful to recognize deception and manipulation. I need to discern when people are putting their own interests over the interests of others and of Christ. I need to be very careful to not be like that myself. I must be on guard against self-centeredness. I must know the teachings of scripture if I want to recognize anything contrary to it. I will take time for prayer and Bible reading everyday in order to know what Christ and the apostles have taught. I will strive to be humble and selfless and careful to examine my own actions and motives.
O God, help me to recognize those things that are divisive -- opinions, arguments, lies, pride, manipulation, and selfishness. Help me to know your word, to live by it, and to bring people together through it. Help us all to turn away from selfish impulses and instead be filled with the desire to serve and honor you. Amen.
Proverbs: 12:26
"A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray."
Resources:
Antagonists in the Church: How to Identify and Deal With Destructive Conflict
Kenneth C. Haugk
