I woke up very early and opened my Bible to one passage after another concerning the power of unity and the destructiveness of discord which leads to division. And as I began to journal I found myself writing...what I think...may be a spiritual warning or insight for not just our church but the entire Church of Jesus Christ.
Many people are injured or killed by dangerous smoke inhalation every year. Many times it can be due to faulty wiring, a careless action, perhaps a child playing with matches or just a crazy accident. But sometimes it is caused by a person who is purposely setting the fire to cause harm or get some type of financial gain or personal satisfaction. This destructive act is called Arson, and is punished by the law.
The most damaging fires started in a church body are undetected at first. These invisible fires are set by the tongues of discontented people, who discreetly sow discord, trying to influence others in casual conversation to doubt their church's ability to guide, teach and care for them properly.
Pride has entered their hearts and they see themselves as superior to the pastor or church leaders and are often looking to prey upon the innocent or those who may appear to lack spiritual maturity, in order to pull them into their private circle of influence and gain new followers.
Beware of their conversations of spiritual exploits, leaving you more impressed by them than God.
They can come across as spiritually deep, sincere and somewhat vulnerable people...but if challenged or corrected for their divisive actions or negative words spoken...they try to appear as the victim of injustice.
We need to be able to detect anyone who is preparing to commit an act of Spiritual Arson.
Some people are just immature, and mummer and complain like a child playing with matches, and they need to be taught about the dangers of what could happen. But if we become aware of a person who is deliberately trying to set a fire by sowing discord...We need to act quickly and report it to the proper authorities (pastors or elders) to prevent them from bringing harm to innocent people.
But if a fire is started...the fastest way to put it out is by grabbing the hose (Bible) and let the water (Scripture) loose on those sparks (divisive words) before they grow in intensity to destroy everything in its path.
My suggestion to any person who might have the tendencies of a Spiritual Arsonist is this: If you aren't happy in the church you're attending...Put a guard over your mouth so as not to bring condemnation on yourself, and find a church where you can respect and honor the church authorities, and grow in the knowledge of a true disciple of Christ. The kingdom of God is built upon the firm principle of humble submission, while the kingdom of darkness is built upon the quicksand of prideful rebellion.
Proverbs 6:16 - 19
These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look…A lying tongue...Hands that shed innocent blood...A heart that devises wicked plans...Feet that are swift in running to evil...A false witness who speaks lies...And one who sows Discord among brethren.
Psalm 133:1, 3b
Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in Unity!...For there the Lord commanded the blessing – Life forevermore.
Unity in the Body of Christ is pleasant and pleasing to God, but He hates discord and any form of pride or rebellion...It's like a stench in His nostrils.
Psalm 19:14 May this be our prayer:
Father God, I pray that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Blessings,
Pastor Judy