But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Titus 3:9-11
Reform usually causes violence (those who buck up against reform often are egged on by the Establishment to cause trouble for the ones trying to reform). It's evident in the Bible. The Prophets were often treated horribly, and several were murdered (Jeremiah was stoned to death, and in his 40 year ministry never made a single convert). The people wanted to stone Jesus several times and eventually had him nailed to a tree, not because He was blasphemous (as they claimed) , but because the Truth He was preaching was against their way of doing things. The Apostles didn't get much better. All but John were killed for their faith, Paul had riots incited against him in several places, and John, though tradition tells us they tried to kill him, was exiled to the island of Patmos as an old man. They lived and died in love, and without violence, rebellion or belligerence. Reform often brings about chaos when the Establishment is threatened.
I'm not speaking of reformers, though. Truth DOES cause division on its own, because those who reject truth often get violent to defend their causes. I'm speaking of people who do so, not to cause real change, but desire their own way. We live in an age of white noise. What do I mean? Due to advancements in technology, it seems like everyone has a voice, and it seems like everyone is shouting to be the loudest (as if volume makes your point more correct). More often than not, however, these voices are not helpful, in fact, they're self-driven, self-centered, and violently divisive. These are people that believers should have nothing to do with. Often times, they stir us up, get us angry and upset, and often drive us far past the point we should have gone for a cause. They purposefully cause strife, they look at everyone who's not on their side as an enemy, and will often turn on their "allies" who dare to question their motivation.
What should we do, then? Stand firm in love. Make sure you actions are motivated by love (And if you don't know what Biblical love is, 1 John 4, and 1 Corinthians 13 define it very well). Act within the bounds of Scripture, not emotion. Seek God's ways, and He will lead you to His determinations. Have nothing to do with divisive people, and have everything to do with love.
Titus 3:1-11 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Romans 16:17-20
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. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
2 John 1: 9-11
Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
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