Genesis 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
Strife means bitter, sometimes violent conflict or dissension. It is a work of the flesh and shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:20-21). Why do brethren strive with one another? The New Testament suggests several factors.
1. Social Causes
Cultural differences might cause contention. In those days, there was a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews (Acts 6:1). The church resolved this by appointing seven men of honest report to look over this.
Jew and Gentile relations were a thorny problem in the early church (Galatians 2:12-14). Peter gave in to the pressure of other Jews, withdrew himself from the Gentiles. Barnabas did the same as Peter. Paul came and corrected them (Galatians 3:28). Brethren need to understand that God is no respecter of persons.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Economic inequities were also a trouble area in the early church (James 1:9-10 and James 2:1-6). God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him. But some brethren dishonor the poor.
James 2:5-6 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
We have to understand a man’s life is not measured by what he possesses (Luke 12:15). God does not require that everyone achieve the same financial status. Hence, we must learn to love and respect one another regardless of our levels of affluence.
2. Doctrinal Causes
Strife can also be caused by departing from the sound doctrine. In the early church, certain members demanded the Gentile Christians to be circumcised.
Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
In modern times, we have also encountered similar issues. Some have attempted to force their legalistic views upon the church, for example, using only one container in observing the Lord’s Supper.
On the other hand, some hold a liberal view, denying the inspiration of the Bible and endorsing the concept that the Bible contains historical and/or scientific blunders. Some do not view the Bible as the standard for church organization, worship, etc. They have adopted a “new hermeneutic” which rejects respect for the silence of the scriptures and which ridicules a recognition of those principles having to do with “apostolic example” and “necessary inference.” Faithful christians will not tolerate such views.This kind of strife is due to the lack of own knowledge and faith in God.
3. Human Allegiance
Allegiance to men rather than Christ.
1Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
We were warned not to think of men above God. We are to please God rather than men.
Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
4. Personality Clashes
In the church at Philippi, Euodias and Syntyche were admonished that they ought to be of the same mind in the Lord (Philippians 4:2). Some brethren are crude in their treatment of others in the church. They are habitually explosive in temperament. They constantly force their preferences upon others to the point of creating an atmosphere of unpleasantness. On the other hand, there are those who are passive and compromising, even on doctrinal matters.
As a rule, personality clashes should be subject to the cause of Christ, God’s word should always prevail.
5. Personal Ambition
3 John 1:9-10 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Diotrephes was an ungodly man who sought pre-eminence among the saints. He created unrest in the church. Under the pretext of “contending for the faith”, he created far more strife that he could have “saved souls”.
6. Opinion Differences
“In matters of faith, unity; in matters of opinion, liberty.” But a failure to distinguish between faith and opinion had created frustration within the church. Matters of opinion are like deciding the paint colour for the building and matters of faith are like using musical instruments during worship.
7. Jealousy
Solomon declared that jealousy is as cruel as grave. (Song 8:6)
Philippians 1:15-18 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Paul realized that if a work is sound, it should be applauded and not discouraged. We learnt that regardless of whether or not we are personally involved in the work, if it is a good work, we should encourage those who are involved. Much good can be accomplished when brethren give glory to God and not who gets the credit.
Conclusion
Let us set aside our carnal desires that often plague us by conflict and heartache. We have been sanctified and called to be God’s holy people; called to serve our living God with one mind and give Him the glory in all things. May we each soberly and prayerfully dedicate ourselves for God’s cause.
1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.