Can’t we all just get along? Well, that certainly is how it ought to be, especially in God’s family. Long ago the Psalmist said, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” If Jesus brought peace to this earth (Lk. 2:14) and Jesus instructs His followers to be peacemakers (Mt. 5:8), why do Christians sometimes struggle getting along? This article will explore a practical understanding of this matter especially through considering three words in Galatians 5:20.
Our focus is on rivalries, dissensions, and divisions. The KJV uses the words: strife, seditions, and heresies. The ASV uses: factions, divisions, and parties. These three translations make use of eight different terms. The only common word among them is the word “divisions,” and ironically, that is from two different Greek words (as can be observed in the word order of the ESV compared with the ASV). Our study will not allow deep investigation into definitions, but will seek to provide practical understanding related to this important topic.
The word “rivalries” reflects selfish attitudes, even seeking to gain advantage over another. This is similar to what a sports team seeks to do to their opponent. Such a spirit, in “real life,” and the life of the church, produces discord (the result of not being a team). Take for example what Paul says about some false brethren in Philippians 1:17: “The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.” (Jas 4:13-16.) Selfishness caused these teachers to see Paul as a rival, and they acted in accord with their selfish thinking. Much can be learned in this text about Paul’s extremely mature handling of the situation.
Secondly, the word “dissensions” carries the idea of partisan quarrels. It is only used here and in Romans 16:17 where Paul says, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” The word that is translated as “dissensions” in Galatians 5:20 is here translated “cause divisions.” Such divisions often involve both wrong attitudes and teachings. Both can naturally lead to division in the body of Christ.
Thirdly, the word “divisions” in our text is related to a verb meaning “to choose or prefer.” We get our English word “heresy” from this word. The church at Corinth provides an example of what this can look like in the life of the church. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:9, “for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.” This word strikes not only at the result, but the heart, or the seed that gives birth to the outward division. Selfish preferences and ambitions often result in divisions in the church. By divisions, we don’t necessarily mean an actual split, but more times than that, a festering wound that goes unhealed. Many members of the church at Corinth had serious preferences (or favorites), such as favorite teachers and favorite spiritual gifts. This led to divisions and factions within the church.
After proper admonishment (Mt.18:15-18), if divisive individuals are not willing to repent of their divisiveness, the Scriptures teach they should be withdrawn from (2 Thes. 3:6; Tit. 3:10). This is done with the objective of winning them back to the Lord (see 1 Cor. 5:4-5) as well as keeping the church pure. Paul says, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9).
To guard against these and other works of the flesh and their consequences, all Christians must commit to possessing the “mind of Christ” (Phil. 2:5) who humbly and selflessly walked with humanity. This humility was manifested perfectly through His intense desire to do the will of His Father (Jn. 6:38) rather than pursuing selfish, fleshly desires. If Christ could be patient with the twelve (and others) how much more can we be?
Paul says it better than I can in the context of our passage: “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (Gal. 5:24-26). Filling our hearts with the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 will leave no room for such wickedness. A lost and dying world is counting on our unity! (See Jn. 17:20-23.)
-Daren Schroeder