BE GUARDED

07/28/2023

"For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal?" (1 Corinthians 3:4)

There is no better way to put this. If you would live long and avoid shame in this life, you must avoid cliques, gossip, and divisive behavior. Steer clear from insulting, telling tales, or offering conspiracies about others. These tendencies are how Satan has destroyed relationships, marriages, and ministries. Also, mark those who have these tendencies, people who are fault finders and busybodies, and run away from them. Nothing destroys a man's health and prosperity like such behavior. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:10, "...He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit." 

Child of God, avoid taking sides, particularly among believers. There can be no politicking in the house of God because we are all bound in one body. Ephesians 4:4 says, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling." Moreso, the Bible says, "...if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand" (Mark 3:25).

Here is a prophetic instruction. Let a "DO NOT ENGAGE" sign go up in your heart whenever you encounter any power struggle, gossip, tale-bearing, or dispute. 1 Timothy 2:23 says, "But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife." It does not matter the source of the dispute, be it political, racial, economic, or denominational, do not engage.

That said, do not also sow strife, no matter how ill-treated you might feel about anyone. Do not take a brother or sister in Christ before a court. 1 Corinthians 6:7 says, "Now, therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?"

Let the emergence of strife, arguments, and divisions signify that you should be about the Lord's business of reconciling others to God. I'd show you a mystery. "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). That Man is you! Praise God.

Faith-Filled Confession

I am one with my Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, I mediate between God and people, ending every strife, settling every dispute, and stifling every damning scandal because I was called to peace. Hallelujah!

ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Psalm 50-52; Acts 27:1-25

Prayer Point for Today

1. Declare that our brethren are guided by the wisdom of God in their associations, jobs, business ventures, and partnerships. They are constantly led by the Spirit of God and guided away from error and poor/bad decisions that may incur losses or adverse effects on them ( Isa 30:21; Isa 58:11, 1 Cor 1:30).

2. Pray that our brethren remain unshakeable, unshaken, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Declare that they will continue to shine as light in the midst of the darkness in the world (1 Cor 15:58, Philippians 2:13-14; Heb 6:10).

3. Pray for those who have been inconsistent in their faith; that they be no longer children tossed to and fro and that Christ may be formed in their hearts as they are strengthened in the Word (Lk 1:3, Eph 4:14).