We're Fighting Against God

And so a huge and noisy quarrel broke out.... "We don't find anything wrong with this man! And what if a spirit has spoken to him? Or maybe an angel? What if it turns out we're fighting against God?"
~ Acts 23:9 (MSG)

... stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel ...
~ Philippians 1:27 (NKJV)

But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
~ 2 Timothy 2:23 (NKJV)

Whatever the disputes between Christians and unbelievers, they are unrivaled by the disputes among Christians. Like Pharisees arguing with Sadducees, we forget we're supposed to be on the same side—God's side. When we fight each other, we're fighting against God.

I often pray that God will enable me to say no more and no less than edifies Christ's body and exalts God. I'm too readily drawn into foolish disputes, and too easily hesitate to contend for the faith.

There are issues of substance—like faith in Christ's blood for salvation, or the inerrancy of Scripture—for which we would give our lives. There are issues of interpretation—like pre-trib vs. mid-trib rapture, or tongues required vs. no tongues allowed—for which we must ask "what if the Spirit has spoken?"

Truly, we're fighting against God if we allow division in the church on matters not critical to faith.

Father God, Your precious Son's last prayer was that You would make us one as You are One. Please forgive us for allowing division to work against Your answer to that prayer. Please grant to us no tolerance for union with the world, and no tolerance for scism among Your people.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy