There’s a story that the demons one day wanted to have a yard sale. They collected things from all over hell to put into the sale, pitchforks, union suits, air conditioners. One brave demon even approached Satan himself and asked if he would like to contribute something. Satan asked, “What sort of items are you looking for?” He was told anything of value would be appreciated. He gave his article to the demon and the demon sped off to place it with the others.
At the end of the sale, Satan’s item was returned to him. It was priced too high. The demon asked what it was. “It’s a wedge,” said Satan. “I use it to divide churches, marriages, friendships, all godly relationships, really.” The story goes that it didn’t sell. He still has it, and he still uses it.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)
16 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
The Bible tells us of seven things God actually hates. Last but not least is sowing discord among the brethren.
How do we sow discord? We gossip. We criticize. We don’t like the color of the church walls, we don’t think the music is very good, too loud or too soft. It’s too old or too “young.” The preacher taught something I don’t agree with. I saw a deacon buying beer, and so it goes.
If God hates this, we should do our best to control it within our body. When we hear an unkind word or are disapproving of someone’s actions, it is up to us to keep it to ourselves until we’ve addressed it with that person.
If a teacher or even the pastor teaches something you don’t agree with, it is up to you to talk with him and see what he meant. You might be the one who is wrong. Matthew 18:15-17 says just this, that we should take it to the one involved. If you’re still convinced you’re right, then get another Christian of like mind and again approach the individual. If he still doesn’t listen or change your mind, take it to the church leadership. It stops there, by the way, and nothing more should be said outside that small leadership group.
Don’t let Satan use you as his wedge. Stop dissension within the body. Confront lies, answer questions, and stand with God in his hatred of discord. Division starts one person at a time. Stopping division happens the same way. Be that person.
God says there are consequences to sowing discord, so watch yourself:
Proverbs 6:12-15 (ESV)
12 A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech,
13 winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger,
14 with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord;
15 therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.
Believers Armed and Dangerous 