Division Or Defense

While we witness in others what might appear as wayward or incorrect theology, the truth is that we all strive to make sense of what God is to us, much in the respect of how this world has already formed us and according to the degree of sanctification we have already received. This however should not be perceived as division among the saints as long as the people are trying with all their might to break down the gates of heaven. It is worldliness that is to be perceived as division; pride and selfishness without regard to truth or love.

"But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, 'In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.' These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit." (Jude 1:17-19)

While we are to correct, instruct, and encourage one another by the word of God, grace must have its place as we grow from glory to glory. Zealots in the faith may create discomfort in the body but the reality is, they are making a defense of the God they have come to know, and like all of us, it is incomplete. (1 Corinthians 13:12) Yet in their heart of hearts, they are doing everything to the glory of the Father through Christ Jesus as they best know how. There will be other zealots in a faith of their own making who will ignore sound doctrine and teaching, desiring notoriety by puffing themselves up to an image of spirituality which is nothing more than an imitation of the true light.

"And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." (2 Peter 3:15-18)

PJR

"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions." (Romans 14:1)

　
"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all." (1 Thessalonians 5:14)