Avoid Those Who Cause Dissension

The Spirit Comes
The Pledge of God's Presence

Watch Out for Deceivers

Romans 16:16-20  The Message

¹⁶ Holy embraces all around! All the churches of Christ send their warmest greetings!
^17-18 One final word of counsel, friends. Keep a sharp eye out for those who take bits and pieces of the teaching that you learned and then use them to make trouble. Give these people a wide berth. They have no intention of living for our Master Christ. They’re only in this for what they can get out of it, and aren’t above using pious sweet talk to dupe unsuspecting innocents.
^19-20 And so while there has never been any question about your honesty in these matters—I couldn’t be more proud of you!—I want you also to be smart, making sure every “good” thing is the real thing. Don’t be gullible in regard to smooth-talking evil. Stay alert like this, and before you know it the God of peace will come down on Satan with both feet, stomping him into the dirt. Enjoy the best of Jesus!

 

For Reflection 

I suppose human nature doesn't change much.  There are those (some out of good intentions) seem to live on creating chaos.  I am not speaking of those who argue positions in the spirit of discovering the best path.  Rather, those I call, "old non-shoes."  You say, "white, they say black;" you say, "red," they say, green;" you say, "shoes," they say , "non-shoes." Their intention is to disrupt and divide not to unify and achieve consensus.  They gather cohorts so that their opinions can be seen as the majority.  To be a Christian is to work toward good and not to manipulate.  

 

To be a Christian is to measure discussion by the love expressed.  To be a Christian is to remain alert and know God will make all things good.

Pray

for those who deceive.  Pray for those who cause dissension to achieve personal ends.  Pray for the peaceful resolution of conflict.