Division
Being in the field of Human Resources for more than four decades, I have certainly encountered my fair share of folks who cause division. In my line of work, we labeled it as dissension. Causing division or dissension is quite different than disagreeing. I respect someone who may disagree with me. Having a different opinion or perspective than mine has been extremely helpful in my life. It has helped me to open my eyes where I may have been narrowly focused. It has assisted me to consider options that I may not have considered on certain topics. Disagreeing can be very constructive.
Causing division is a much stronger destructive behavior. When people cause division, they are in it to create hostility, assert superiority, and actively seek to erode any collaboration or trust that may be evident. There is an intense sense of negativity, gossip or even exclusion. I would liken it to bullying behavior. I am right, you are wrong, and you are going to feel the effects of that – either directly or indirectly.
This book of Titus is short and worthy of reading. It is a letter from Paul to Titus, who is in Crete. Paul helps to provide instruction for Titus on the leadership in the church, right living in the church and right living in society. We can all take a few moments to learn the lessons Paul was teaching Titus. Friends, we will have people who may disagree with us on many distinct aspects of life. That is okay – it is free will.
Yet, when you have people around you who are causing division, especially when it comes to Holy Scripture and diverging from its truth, you need to be vigilant. If dissension is their primary focus, take a lesson from Titus 3:10. Provide warning – if it does not stop, then YOU need to remove YOURSELF from them. Notice how this verse does not state to keep at it, trying to reason with this person. It states that you should have nothing more to do with them.
This can be hard. Especially if the person who is causing the division is a close friend or relative. Please note, this is not saying we should not forgive people. Nor does it say we should not continue to pray for people. What it shares with us is that we should remove ourselves to ensure we do not fall into the deception that is being played out. Let us remember to check ourselves as well! We do not want to be the one causing dissension either! Keep our focus on God and have simple faith that God will bring justice and clarify to the situation.
Heavenly Father, help me to have strength and faith when I meet someone who is causing division. Provide me the words of warning, but if they do not work, help me to walk away from them and towards You. Amen!