Die-Vision

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naïve people. Romans 16:17-18 NIV.

Division is not just a math formula. It can cause a fellowship to die, and we can lose sight of what God has for us. There will always be those who wish to separate us. They join with a body and flatter those around them. They will use smooth talk and deceive the naïve.

Paul warned Timothy about self-centered individuals infiltrating the community. Women will wear clothes that draw men to them and not God. Selfish men pull people towards themselves instead of pointing to Jesus.

God will lay a vision out for His body. Then, the leadership establishes God’s plan. Proverbs 29:18 NIV says, Where there is no vision, people perish; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. They lay a vision. Then people come into cause die-vision. To destroy what God desires. They add their own traditions, ideas, and obstacles contrary to the vision established by His Word. Their desire is for the vision to perish, and all attention directed towards them.

Discovery results in die-vision, offense, and a fractured body. Others will join the offense train out of the church. God’s vision continues in that body but with fewer people. They got caught off guard by die-vision.

Life is about Jesus. He has a plan for individuals and bodies of believers. When elders lead by His Word, remember to back them up. Not cause die-vision. Their guidance is a source of strength and unity for us all.

Let us break dividing walls in the name of Your Son, Father. Lead the bodies of believers in the ways of You and Your Word. Inspire us to follow Your plans and work towards unity. In Jesus’ name, amen.