There were 128 runners in the field for the cross-country race at the 1993 NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships. As they set out on the 6.2-mile run, they were following a course that had been marked for them by the race officials. Toward the end of the course, one of the runners in the middle of the group realized something was wrong. Mike Delcavo of Western State College in Colorado saw that the main pack had missed the turn. “I was waving for them to follow me and yelling ‘This is the right way,’” he told an interviewer after the race.
Delcavo was right—but only four other runners followed him. The rest continued on the shortcut, which allowed them to run a shorter distance and finish the race sooner. In a widely criticized decision, race officials allowed the abbreviated route to stand as the “official course” and Delcavo officially finished 123rd. (Source: Scorecard, Sports Illustrated, December 27, 1993)
The world does not always reward staying on track—literally or figuratively, but the path we follow is important to God. One day, those of us who have already trusted Christ for salvation will appear before the Lord for an judgment of our service. Our entrance to Heaven is sure—that was settled when we accepted Christ’s gift of taking our judgment in our place. But rewards—or the loss of them—for how we spent our lives are not so sure. When we stand before the Lord, no shortcuts will be recognized, and only those who have run the race using the instructions in His love letter will be honored.
So, keeping this eventual face to face meeting with Jesus in mind – how we handle times of comfort, times of challenge, times of unity, and times of division is important. We will give an account of those times before the great judge Himself, Jesus Christ. We must handle division among believers Biblically, carefully, and humbly.
CONTINUED DISCIPLESHIP IS IMPORTANT! (15:36)
After extreme trials, it is important to realize that this mission team continued with discipling new believers and establishing local churches.
They didn’t stop with the “Terror Trio” cities (Iconium, Lystra, Antioch) ...after hardship it is easy to say, “I’m done!”
They didn’t get distracted with lack of comfort levels
They didn’t lose motivation to continue with ministry
I have been visiting with a very sweet elderly believer (Grace Knowles) for a few months now after a devastating stroke took away her mobility. She has lost her apartment, her privacy, and her independence. Yet, when I come to see her, she asks how I am doing. She smiles as I talk about the church and family. She enjoys seeing pictures on my phone and singing worship songs with me at her bedside. She will encourage me as I encourage her. She will listen to me read scripture and pray with her. She is longing for heaven and has been in much pain for many years, but she continues seeking Jesus.
What it takes to stop your personal pursuit of Jesus is the mile marker of the depth of your relationship with Jesus.
This is why the Christian life is so much more than RELIGION – it is RELATIONSHIP! It is relationship with THE one true, all-knowing, ever-present, all-powerful, holy, loving God. Develop your relationship with God to great depths in times of comfort so your foundation is strong in the storms of life.
CONTINUED UNITY IS IMPORTANT! (15:37-39)
Relational division can cause significant long-term problems. Barnabas was the only one who had come alongside Paul and show him genuine relationship when he was first saved. Barnabas discipled Paul. Barnabas represented Paul before the other disciples when they were not so sure they could trust him (and perhaps not sure they could forgive him?). Barnabas traveled hundreds of miles on this missionary journey with Paul – a journey that proved to be life threatening! They have been through thick and thin together – but now they come to a disagreement that is not easily resolved. Both of them are convinced they are right. Relational division within the church can have profound negative impact on the mission of the church.
Division challenges the future of their ministry
Division can be had among good godly men
Division does not have to be the cause of a ministry’s end
Politicians and citizens of the USA have strong opinions on how to handle foreign affairs, overseas conflicts, gas prices, and the current inflation crisis. The reality of the inflation crisis is illustrated with this one example: my wife went shopping this week and discovered that the large roll of tin foil was $14! That is the crushing blow of inflation. Depending on who you to talk to, you discover varying views on the causes and the solutions to this growing problem. If you choose the wrong cause and solution, you only make the problems worse. One thing is for sure, we need to handle our problems the right way…but who is to say what the right way is?
Handling division God’s way is crucial. It must be God’s way because He is the standard for truth…because He is truth (Jn. 14:6; 17:17). So, instead of making sure everyone knows your side of the story first, choose to follow how God wants you to handle the division. Division is a spiritual need! Spiritual needs cannot be fulfilled with fleshly means. So, anger, yelling, gossip, bitterness, and slander are not the pathway to resolve spiritual needs. These things only complicate the issue further!
5 Keys to Handling Division:
1. Know the difference between a biblical issue and a spiritual preference. (Gal. 6:1)
2. Approach the one with whom you have division. (Matt. 18)
Do not go to your friend group first
Do not spiritualize the division by sharing all the details as a prayer request
Do not try to get a bunch of people on your side and “gather an army of defenders” for your cause
3. Seek godly counsel. Do not seek counsel from only those you believe will take your side or from 5 different people. We tend to look for more counselors when we do not like the counsel. Ask, “Is this counsel Biblical?”
4. If both parties are willing, seek out a godly person to help mediate resolution.
5. Approach with humility. Pray prior to, during, and after seeking resolution.
CONTINUED MINISTRY IS IMPORTANT! (15:40-41)
These men disagreed and parted ways, but they continued with God’s mission. They continued serving God. They did not become derailed because of relational division! Church of God, BE CAUTIOUS!
Be cautious as to what you disagree over that brings division
Be cautious to examine your own heart with humility (you may be wrong!) (I Pet. 5:6-8)
Be cautious to part ways holding no bitterness (Eph. 4:30-32)
Be cautious to not get too caught up in the details. Take note that most of the details of this conflict are not included in scripture. We only know the topic of division (John Mark).
These men agreed ministry must continue. So, they each formed new mission teams. Barnabas took John Mark with him and Paul took Silas with him.
A husband and wife were at a party chatting with some friends when the subject of marriage counseling came up. “Oh, we will never need that. My wife and I have a great relationship,” the husband explained. “She was a communications major in college, and I majored in theatre arts.” He continued, “She communicates well, and I act like I’m listening.” Source: Unknown
This is how many a believer lives his relationship with God…pretending! To continue our relationship with Jesus we must continue discipleship, continue handling divisions when they come, and continue ministry till He comes.