“A Call to Christlikeness: Rising Above Division”
Introduction:
In an age where accusations fly and voices clamor for attention, many claim to speak for God—asserting that God is angry, displeased, or ready to strike down those who disagree with their views. Yet, we must ask: does Scripture support these claims? And more importantly, how do we, as followers of Christ, respond biblically and righteously to those who use the Bible as a weapon to discourage, divide, and condemn?
God is not swayed by political affiliations, ideological preferences, or human agendas. His heart is set on reconciliation.
As Paul declares:
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Our calling is clear—to embody Christlikeness, speak truth with love, and be agents of reconciliation. Let us rise above the noise and walk as ambassadors of the kingdom.
Consider the biblical example of Nehemiah. In a time when the walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins, Nehemiah was not swayed by the voices of opposition or the threats of those who sought to discourage and divide. records how enemies plotted to disrupt the rebuilding effort:
“So, they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. So, we prayed to our God, and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” (Nehemiah 4:8-9)
Nehemiah did not engage in argument or retaliate with harsh words. Instead, he turned to God in prayer and took practical steps to protect the work. He understood that the mission was greater than the opposition. In the same way, when we face voices that seek to divide, our response must be rooted in prayer, wisdom, and a commitment to the work of reconciliation.
An analogy to consider:
Imagine a lighthouse standing firm against the crashing waves. The waves represent the noise of accusation and division, constantly pounding and threatening to overwhelm. Yet, the lighthouse does not fight the waves—it simply shines its light, guiding weary travelers to safety. As followers of Christ, we are called to be that unwavering light. The waves will come, but our mission remains: to reflect the light of Christ and guide others to the hope found in Him.
Practically, this means choosing our battles wisely. Not every accusation requires a response, but every opportunity should be used to point others toward Jesus. When you feel overwhelmed by the clamor of those who misuse Scripture, remember Nehemiah’s example: pray, stand guard over your heart, and keep building the kingdom. As Paul encourages us:
“So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Let us be people who build, not tear down; who reconcile, not divide; who speak life, not condemnation. In doing so, we fulfill the ministry entrusted to us by God Himself.
- Discerning the Voice of God vs. the Voice of Man:
The first key to addressing the confusion is distinguishing between God’s voice and human agendas. The apostle James provides a litmus test:
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)
When voices claim to speak for God but promote fear, division, and condemnation, they reveal themselves as earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. Listen to James write, speaking about 2 kinds of wisdom.
Two Kinds of Wisdom
“Who is wise and knowledgeable among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant and lie about the truth. This is not wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:15)
God’s wisdom fosters peace, humility, and righteousness. Let us reject any message that seeks to stir hatred under the guise of holiness.
Consider the prophet Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings 19:11-12. After his bold confrontation with the prophets of Baal, Elijah fled in fear and despair. God invited him to stand on the mountain, and as Elijah waited, a powerful wind tore through—but God was not in the wind. Then came an earthquake—but God was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, a fire—but God was not in the fire. Finally, there was a “still small voice” (or “gentle whisper”), and in that quietness, Elijah encountered the presence of God.
This biblical example reminds us that God’s voice is not found in the noise, fury, or spectacle. Instead, His voice comes with peace, clarity, and a call to draw near. Much like Elijah, we must resist being swayed by the loudest voices that claim to speak for God but lack the fruit of the Spirit.
Analogy:
Imagine a skilled shepherd leading a flock. The sheep do not follow every voice they hear—they recognize the voice of their shepherd. Jesus says,
“My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
He didn’t say He hears their voice and responds as they wish. In a world filled with clamor, we must tune our hearts to the voice of the true Shepherd. Just as sheep learn their shepherd’s voice through familiarity, we discern God’s voice through consistent prayer, Scripture, and a heart attuned to His Spirit.
Practical Insight:
When you encounter voices that claim to speak for God, measure them against the wisdom of James 3:17. Is it pure? Does it bring peace or division? Is it gentle, or is it harsh? True spiritual discernment requires us to be anchored in Scripture and led by the Spirit, not by the winds of human rhetoric.
Additionally, the Gospel of Matthew warns us:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-16)
If a message produces fear, hate, and pride, it is not from God. If it produces love, reconciliation, and righteousness, it aligns with the heart of God.
Let us be people who test every voice against the truth of God’s Word, rejecting what is false and clinging to what is good as the Scripture declares,
“But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, to admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
In doing so, we rise above division and become beacons of Christ’s love and truth in a fractured world.
- Marking Those Who Cause Division:
Paul instructed the Romans and us clearly, saying,
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offenses, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them.” (Romans 16:17)
Divisive voices do not build the body of Christ; they tear it down. Correction is necessary,
“My brothers and sisters, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)
However, it must be carried out in a spirit of gentleness and restoration. Those who use the Bible to condemn rather than convict are acting contrary to the ministry of reconciliation.
Consider Diotrephes in 3 John 9-10—a man who loved to put himself first, rejected apostolic authority, and spread malicious gossip. The Apostle John not only exposed his divisive behavior but also warned the church to avoid such individuals. This example teaches us that those who seek their own power by fostering division stand against the true work of Christ.
Analogy:
Picture a stone mason constructing a wall. Each stone represents a believer, placed carefully to create a unified, strong structure. Divisive people act like those who pull stones out, weakening the wall’s integrity. In contrast, Christ is the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), holding everything together. Our job is to build each other up—not tear each other down.
Practical Insight:
When encountering divisive people, there are three things to pay close attention to:
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- Identify Them Clearly – Use biblical discernment to recognize those who stir conflict and division.
- Avoid Engaging in Strife – Paul’s instruction says,
“Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient.” (2 Timothy 2:23-24)
3. Model Christlikeness – Respond with grace, patience, and truth, focusing on building unity rather than engaging in disputes.
Let us follow the example of Jesus, who welcomed sinners while rebuking self-righteousness. When we encounter those who sow discord, we must stand firm in truth while extending the mercy and reconciliation that reflects God’s heart. In doing so, we resist the corrosive effects of division and become living testimonies of Christ’s reconciling power.
- Christ Came to Save, Not to Condemn:
The Gospel is unmistakably clear: sin condemns, not God. We see in the Gospel of John where it declares:
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17)
This verse reveals the heart of God’s mission through Christ—to rescue humanity from the destructive power of sin rather than to pronounce judgment. Christ’s coming was not to weigh humanity down with guilt but to lift them into grace. This truth challenges any approach that uses Scripture to shame or condemn others.
Consider the account of the woman caught in adultery.
“The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and, making her stand before all of them, they said to him,
“Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them,
“Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her,
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
She said, “No one, sir.”
And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.
Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”]] (John 8:3-11)
When the religious leaders brought her to Jesus, seeking to trap Him into enforcing the death penalty, Jesus did not respond with condemnation. Instead, He challenged those without sin to cast the first stone. As the accusers left one by one, Jesus said to her:
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
She said, “No one, sir.”
And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.
Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”
Here, Christ does not overlook sin but offers mercy and a call to transformation. This illustrates that God’s intent is always restorative, not punitive.
A practical analogy can be drawn from a lighthouse. A lighthouse does not exist to shame sailors for losing their way—it exists to guide them safely to shore. In the same way, Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12), illuminating a path away from the destruction of sin and toward eternal life. We are called to reflect this light, guiding others in love and truth, rather than using Scripture as a spotlight to expose and humiliate.
Furthermore, James reminds us:
“There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. So, who, then, are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12)
This verse emphasizes that the authority to judge belongs to God alone. When believers adopt a posture of judgment, they step into a role that is not theirs to hold. Instead, our calling is to extend the same grace that we have received. Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to Rome, saying,
“Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
Theologically, this reflects the core message of the Gospel: God, in Christ, is reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19), offering salvation instead of condemnation. Those who weaponize Scripture contradict Christ’s mission by using the Word to burden others rather than to liberate them.
In summary, Christ’s coming brings salvation, not condemnation. As followers of Christ, we are called to be ambassadors of His grace—offering hope to the broken, restoration to the fallen, and light to those lost in darkness. Let us, like Christ, embody a message of redemption, always pointing to the God who saves.
- Standing Firm in Christlike Boldness:
We are not called to a weak or compromising faith. True Christlikeness requires both boldness in truth and tenderness in love. Paul instructs us:
“But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)
This verse highlights the balance required of believers—we must not remain silent in the face of sin, but our words must be seasoned with love. Christlike boldness does not mean harshness; it means courage anchored in compassion.
A clear example of this balance is found in Matthew 23, where Jesus boldly confronts the religious leaders. He calls out their hypocrisy with strong words:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth.” (Matthew 23:27)
While His words are direct, His purpose is not destruction but to expose falsehood and invite repentance. Jesus’ boldness was always intertwined with His mission to save,
“For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
A guiding analogy can be drawn from a skilled surgeon. A surgeon must cut to remove what is harmful, but every incision is made with precision and care to heal, not to harm. Similarly, our words—when rooted in truth and love—are meant to bring spiritual healing, not condemnation.
The Apostle Paul embodies this same balance. In Paul confronts Peter when he acts hypocritically by withdrawing from Gentile believers. Paul speaks directly, yet his motive is to uphold the truth of the Gospel and preserve unity in Christ.
“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood self-condemned, for until certain people came from James, he used to eat with the gentiles. But after they came, he drew back and kept himself separate for fear of the circumcision faction. And the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the gentiles to live like Jews?” (Galatians 2:11-14)
This incident reminds us that boldness in Christ is not for personal pride but to defend the integrity of God’s Word and to lead others toward righteousness.
Moreover, Paul’s letter to his spiritual son encourages us:
“For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
This underscores that true boldness is Spirit-empowered. It is not reckless or prideful but reflects God’s strength, love, and wisdom.
Theologically, Christlike boldness flows from an unshakable identity in Christ. When our confidence is grounded in Him, we can speak truth without fear. Jesus exemplified this when He stood before Pilate.
“For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37)
In a world that often confuses love with tolerance and boldness with hostility, believers are called to walk the narrow path that reflects both. We are neither to shrink back in fear nor wield truth as a weapon of judgment.
In summary, standing firm in Christlike boldness means speaking truth with love, confronting sin without hatred, and always aiming to restore rather than destroy. Just as Christ did not compromise the truth or abandon love, we too must hold fast to both, knowing that our mission is to bring light to the darkness and hope to the broken.
- Keeping Our Eyes on the True Mission:
Amid the noise of our age, we must remember our primary mission—to proclaim Christ and His kingdom. Paul exhorts us, saying:
“Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. Hold fast to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:14-16)
This passage emphasizes the believer’s call to be a light in a world darkened by sin and confusion. Our conduct and conversation should reflect the purity and purpose of Christ. Complaining and arguing only distract from our mission—to hold forth the Word of life as a beacon of hope.
A profound biblical example of staying focused on the true mission is found in Luke’s Gospel. Recall when Martha was distracted with serving, Jesus gently corrected her, saying:
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, prioritizing His Word above the busyness around her. This reminds us that our focus must remain on Christ, even amid the demands and distractions of life.
A guiding analogy can be drawn from a compass. A compass always points to true north, providing direction despite external conditions. Similarly, our “true north” is the mission of Christ—proclaiming the Gospel and reflecting His love. When we anchor ourselves in Him, the shifting winds of culture cannot divert us from our calling.
Isaiah reinforces the eternal nature of God’s truth:
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
Political ideologies and human opinions may dominate for a season, but only God’s Word endures. As believers, our allegiance must be to the eternal truths of Scripture rather than the temporary voices of culture.
Theologically, keeping our eyes on the true mission reflects the heart of Christ’s Great Commission. commands us:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father namely of the Son that is of the Holy Spirit, namely teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
This mission transcends time and culture. No earthly agenda should eclipse our commitment to advancing God’s kingdom. Paul echoes this focus in his second letter to Corinth.
“So, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
In summary, keeping our eyes on the true mission means rejecting distractions, embracing God’s eternal Word, and proclaiming the Gospel with unwavering commitment. Like stars shining in a dark world, we are called to illuminate the truth and invite others to the hope found in Christ alone.Practical Steps to Respond Biblically:
- Pray for Discernment – Seek God’s wisdom to distinguish truth from deception.
James 1:5 encourages us with this promise:
“If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.”
Discernment is not achieved through human reasoning alone but by seeking divine wisdom. Just as Solomon prayed for understanding (1 Kings 3:9), believers are called to seek God’s guidance when faced with complex and conflicting messages. In a world filled with misinformation, prayer aligns our hearts with the truth and opens our minds to the Spirit’s leading.
- Engage with Grace – Respond to divisive voices with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15 instructs us:
“But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence.”
Grace-filled responses do not compromise truth but reflect the character of Christ. When Jesus encountered those who opposed Him, He often responded with profound truth seasoned with grace (John 8:10-11). This approach disarms hostility and opens doors for reconciliation.
- Speak Truth Boldly – Do not shy away from addressing sin, but do so in a spirit of love and restoration.
Galatians 6:1 emphasizes this balance:
“My brothers and sisters, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.”
Speaking truth requires both courage and compassion. Jesus exemplified this in His encounter with the Samaritan woman (John 4:16-18), where He addressed her sin while extending the offer of living water. Our goal must always be to bring others closer to Christ through both truth and mercy.
- Stay Anchored in Scripture – Let the Bible be your guide, not popular opinion or political agendas.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares the sufficiency of Scripture:
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”
When cultural narratives shift, God’s Word remains steadfast. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who examined the Scriptures daily, we must continually measure every teaching and ideology against the truth of the Bible.
- Promote Unity – Work to build up the body of Christ, encouraging faith and hope.
Ephesians 4:3 calls us to pursue unity:
“Making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Unity is not uniformity but a shared commitment to Christ and His mission. Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers in John 17:21, recognizing that their oneness would testify to the world about Him. By fostering unity, we reflect the heart of God and provide a compelling witness to those around us.
In summary, these practical steps—praying for discernment, engaging with grace, speaking truth boldly, staying anchored in Scripture, and promoting unity—equip us to navigate today’s challenges with wisdom and faithfulness. Our actions must consistently reflect the truth and love of Christ, ensuring that His light shines brightly through us.
Conclusion:
In these challenging times, we are called to embody Christlikeness and be beacons of hope and reconciliation. Let us reject the voices that sow division and condemnation, and instead, stand firm in the truth of God’s Word. Our focus must remain on Jesus Christ—the author and perfecter of our faith.
Hebrews 12:2 reminds us:
“Looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”
In a world filled with confusion and compromise, we are not left without a guide—God’s Word is our anchor, and His Spirit is our strength. Like the wise builder in Matthew 7:24-25, who established his house on the rock, we must build our lives on the unshakable foundation of Christ’s teachings:
“Everyone, then, who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)
This is not the time to shrink back or be silent. We are entrusted with a sacred mission—to reflect the light of Christ in a dark world. As Jude exhorts us:
“But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, and look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21)
Let this truth ignite your soul: You are chosen for this hour. You are called to shine, to speak, and to stand. Do not allow the noise of the world to drown out the voice of your Savior. Fix your heart on Him, for He is faithful to sustain you until the very end.
Lift your head high—your faith is not in vain. The same God who called you is the One who empowers you. As Paul declares:
“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Rise above the noise. Stand in the truth. Let your life declare the glory of God. For in every step of faith, every word of truth, and every act of love, you are advancing His Kingdom.
Now is the time to hold fast, to remain faithful, and to proclaim boldly that Jesus Christ is Lord. The world is desperate for His love and truth—let us be the ones who carry that message without compromise, filled with hope and unyielding in our pursuit of righteousness.
Grace & Peace
Dr. John Roberts THD