Scripture: Romans 16:17-18
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. For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded.
Thought for the Day: A friend from Seminary, Phil Gulley, wrote in his book, The Evolution of Faith, about a congregation that split in his home town during his youth. According to Phil…
…the reasons given for the schism were theological, those close to the fray said the division had more to do with a long-festering struggle for power. Religious divisions are rarely attributed to petty motives, so the separation was attributed to the noble cause of spiritual purity.
We see this happen on a very regular basis in American Christianity, but it is not new to us. Christianity (and religion in general) has continually used by those who wish to gain power or maintain power, and desperately wish to have a religious rationale for their less than religious yearnings. It is made to sound so admirable and righteous, yet so many good people with good intentions are drug down a road that is decorated with Jesus, but is in fact the road to Golgotha – it is the road to another crucifixion. Christians will disagree with one another, and there is nothing wrong with it, but don’t allow yourselves to be drawn into someone else’s power grab because s/he has wrapped it in scripture.
Prayer: Mighty God, may your Spirit walk with me and keep me on a path of faithfulness. I wish to serve you and the reign of grace, and not someone else’s self-serving agenda. Amen.
See You In Worship
This Sunday
Consider inviting a friend…
