Several years ago, I interviewed for a divided church. Many questions centered around the unspoken question, “If you become our preacher, whose side will you be on—my side or the other side?”
A man asked, “What do you think is the biggest problem in the church today?”
I think he expected me to say liberalism or legalism, as that was their diagnosis of the two sides in the church.
My answer was, “The biggest problem I’ve noticed is that brethren are not being honest with one another. And the biggest issue I’ve encountered is Jerrie Barber lying to Jerrie Barber.”
We are warned often about this deceptive temptation.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. — 1 John 1:8, ESV
For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. — Galatians 6:3
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. — 1 Corinthians 3:18
Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. — 1 John 2:4
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. — James 1:22
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. — James 1:26
We are warned not to let teachers and preachers deceive us, and that’s important. The people at Berea were commended for checking Paul’s preaching to determine whether he was telling the truth.
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. — Acts 17:11
This is important. However, the Holy Spirit believed that deceiving ourselves poses a great danger. We see this from the repeated warnings.
There are two principles to help us be truthful with ourselves.
The general rule is that everything a person does, that person thinks he or she is doing the right thing.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. — Proverbs 21:2
Having honest friends to challenge us as we consider what to do. Or, think after we act, if we need to repent.
The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. — Proverbs 20:5
Let’s not just be suspicious of others leading us astray. Be aware that I can be leading myself down the wrong road.
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. — Proverbs 4:23
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Good answers. Thank you. Paul addressed a rift of some sort (unnamed) between Euodia and Syntyche.
Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Philippians 4:1-3.
In 3:18, he mentions “enemies of the cross of Christ. They are evidently not in the same class as Euodia and Syntyche. Are any of those people in the divided church enemies of the cross? Is there a serious doctrinal problem, or is it a difference of opinion or expedience? Paul asked the Philippians to help those women.
After agreeing fully with your answers, I would say one of the biggest problems is not taking the time and patience to get to the root issues, asking and and answering questions, and doing everything possible to maintain unity based on clear Biblical teaching, and leaving room for growth and open dialogue.
Wise words. We all think we are right, but the simple truth is that, if we differ, we cannot all be right. Open dialogue is good, as are kind and gentle spirits, but differences will remain. How much difference we are willing to tolerate is the fundamental question. I sort of know how much that is for me, but it varies from individual to individual. Unity seems to be an elusive ideal, but if we cannot have unity, at least we can have civility.
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Good answers. Thank you. Paul addressed a rift of some sort (unnamed) between Euodia and Syntyche.
Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Philippians 4:1-3.
In 3:18, he mentions “enemies of the cross of Christ. They are evidently not in the same class as Euodia and Syntyche. Are any of those people in the divided church enemies of the cross? Is there a serious doctrinal problem, or is it a difference of opinion or expedience? Paul asked the Philippians to help those women.
After agreeing fully with your answers, I would say one of the biggest problems is not taking the time and patience to get to the root issues, asking and and answering questions, and doing everything possible to maintain unity based on clear Biblical teaching, and leaving room for growth and open dialogue.
Thank you.
Good observations.
Wise words. We all think we are right, but the simple truth is that, if we differ, we cannot all be right. Open dialogue is good, as are kind and gentle spirits, but differences will remain. How much difference we are willing to tolerate is the fundamental question. I sort of know how much that is for me, but it varies from individual to individual. Unity seems to be an elusive ideal, but if we cannot have unity, at least we can have civility.
I have met the enemy and it’s me. Great point brother.