Remembered for Good: The People of GodSample

Discernment Over Division: The Call to Unity

Have you truly grasped the urgency of Paul’s message? Amid the intricate passages of Romans, a clarion call beckons us, resonating with surprising relevance in today’s world. We’re called to discernment in an era where division seems to be the order of the day. How can we, as believers, find our way when the path is often clouded?

Paul’s words in verse 17 are clear: “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create division and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you have learned. Avoid them.” Paul isn’t merely cautioning against division; he’s emphasizing the importance of discerning truth from falsehood.

In our world today, division is evident everywhere—in society, in churches, and even within families. Yet, Paul’s message remains timeless: as believers, we’re called to be discerning, not divisive. This discernment isn’t just about identifying right from wrong but about understanding the nuances between light and darkness, truth and lie, good and evil.

Think of a baseball player standing at the mound, ready to hit the ball. With only 0.125 seconds to decide whether to swing at a pitch, a batter relies on muscle memory. This instantaneous reaction isn’t just the result of physical training but of repeated exposure and practice. Do we, as believers, have theological muscle memory? Are we equipped to instantly discern truth from falsehood when confronted with divisive teachings or smooth talk?

Building theological muscle memory requires immersion in God’s Word. It’s about having a heart for God combined with sound biblical teaching. As believers, we must be wary of teachings that deviate from the age-old truths of the Bible. If a teaching feels novel or fringe, it’s essential to return to the foundational truths that have stood the test of time.

Paul’s emphasis on avoiding divisive individuals isn’t arbitrary. As the famous evangelist D. L. Moody aptly stated, “I’ve never known the Spirit of God to work where the Lord’s people are divided.” Unity is paramount for the Spirit of God to move and work among His people. While disagreements are natural and can lead to growth, division is detrimental.

I challenge you: How are you cultivating discernment in your life? Are you immersing yourself in God’s Word, building that theological muscle memory? As we journey through this series, may we be inspired to prioritize discernment over division, ensuring that we remain unified in Christ’s love.