Romans 16:17-18  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.

Romans 16:17-18  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.

Satan’s plan is to divide and conquer. It is simple. It works! Many good ministries collapse because people did not recognize Satan’s tactics and his work among the Body of Christ.  Divisions and obstacles come in many different brightly colored packages–discontent, gossip, slander, joking, false doctrine, unforgiveness, bitter words, rebellion, differing opinions, self-appointed “committees”, idle talk, envy, jealously, pride, arrogance, desire for control, greed, imaginations, or “better or new ideas.”

            Anyone can fall into these traps. No one is exempt. We may be the perpetrator at one time and the victim at another. Beware! Be on guard! Satan roams about like a roaring lion seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). It could be you, your friends, your coworkers, or your students!

            Know those among you who create conflict and stir up bad attitudes. Avoid them if they are staff members.  If they are students, correct them, and, if possible, remove them from the group if they refuse correction. It only takes one critical person to poison the attitude of a whole group. This poison spreads to one person at a time, but it will eventually drain the love, peace, and life out of the whole group if allowed to go unchecked. If you are not in a position to bring correction, then your instruction is to “Keep away from them.” Do not participate in their poisonous talk. Also, encourage others to turn away from the negative influences. It may even be necessary for you to let that person know that you do not want them calling you or speaking those things to you. Be bold! There are consequences for every decision. Listen to their poisonous words, and you will become like them; refuse to listen, and you will retain your inner joy and peace.

Dear God, Sometimes I am caught up in the negative. Forgive me and save me from the poisonous trap of division. I know unity is your goal for all of us. Teach me to stand boldly for right and to walk away from wrong. Amen.