TODAY’S INSPIRATION: THE SPIRIT OF DIVISION

There is a separation going on in this season. With our natural eyes we can see that many false prophets are being exposed. However, it is only through our spiritual eyes that we can see the spirit of division that is taking place among the body of Christ. The devil is deceptive and he is using this season of separation to divide the body of Christ. I say this because we are so focused on what’s going on in the world, that we are oblivious to what’s happening within God’s church. The devil is not worried about being exposed. The Bible has already exposed him. His world is already divided, from politics to sports, economic status, race, gender, sexual orientation, poverty, and an increase in crime and corruption has made people more insecure and self-centered. No, the devil is not concerned about the world, his attention is on God’s people, the body of Christ, but so is God. I love the way Brian Troxel put it and I quote:

“The only Church with which His Spirit is concerned is HIS CHURCH. His Church is not a building or an earthly organization. His Church is HIS BODY and those who walk and live in His Spirit desire and pour out their lives to see His unity revealed through a people with pure motive.” (Brian Troxel “Our Sufficiency – Part Two” A Word In Season WP)

“I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” (Acts 20:29-30) ESV

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands…. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? (Acts 17:24, 1 Corinthians 3:16)

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) NIV

This is nothing new, from the beginning the enemy has attempted to deceive and destroy to benefit his own agenda. It certainly is no surprise to God. Paul the Apostle tells us in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 that in the last days people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable slanderers, without self-control savage, opposed to what is good, treacherous, reckless conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have no relationship with Christ and its power. When Paul spoke of these things, he was not speaking of non-believers, but the church, followers of Christ. This should not be. If we are servants of Christ, we should have the mind of Christ. One mind. Unity is where our power lies through Jesus Christ. I share with you this quote by D.L. Moody;

“I have never known the Spirit of God to work where the Lord’s people were divided.” “The Spirit of God doesn’t work where there is division, and what we want today is the spirit of unity amongst God’s children, so that the Lord may work.”

I agree with Mr. Moody and the enemy does too, which is why he works so hard to divide the people of God. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians, 1:10, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment”

Jesus said in Luke 12:5, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.” And In Matthew 10:34 Jesus states, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

Jesus is a divider. But don’t get it twisted. The division Jesus is speaking of is between those who love Him and those who do not. This season of separation is not within the Kingdom, but division from the world. Following Jesus means to be separated from the world. God is exposing false prophets and those that are playing both sides. Jesus is saying we, as His followers must seek Him first even if it means being separated from family and friends.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:16-17)

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me,” meaning if we are one in Christ, we will have unity with one another.” (John 17:21)

Unity in the body of Christ is one where God’s Word is not compromised nor are the principles of the biblical gospel. Unity in the body of Christ is how God displays not only His power and His presence, but also His glory. The enemy knows this and he knows we as Christians are strong because He who is in us is stronger than who is in the world. The enemies plan is to penetrate God’s People? He wants to turn us against each other and turn our backs on Jesus. If your spiritual eyes are not open you will not see his plan. The spirit of division is not a respecter of persons, he will deceive whoever he can.

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) ESV

“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
(Romans 16:17-20)

We must not continue to allow the enemy to divide us. Why is it that some Christians are so happy when another believer falls, so quick to judge. So quick to sit high and look low which only God can do. Whatever happened to praying for one another. Yes, we should hold each other accountable but at the same time be quick to forgive and pray for one another. We can’t change people but God can. We cannot afford to sit idly by representing the body of Christ and be a part of the enemies lies and shenanigans. We must boldly speak up with the authority God has given us. We should be applying biblical and divine answers to any questions put before us, not opinions and I think so. We can agree as followers of Christ on all matters when scripture is the final authority on which we speak. If it does not align with God’s truth, then it is wrong, period. The church should reveal to the world what true oneness, equality, and freedom can produce.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:3)

“And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-19)

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)

“There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12).

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Brothers and Sisters there is no middle ground. Scripture tells us, “He who is not with me is against me” (Luke 11:23). This is the time for us to stand together as God’s people, loving each other, praying and encouraging one other. The enemy knows he has already lost the war, but he wants to take as many as he can down with him. As followers of Jesus Christ, I encourage you to walk together, in peace and love in the body of Christ. For the Bible tells us “For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future” (Ephesians 4:4) Love and Blessings…