“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” – Romans 16:17-18(KJV)
Where human beings are gathered there must be strife and division even in a holy convocation. Over the years since Christ ascension they had existed such strife spearheaded by men who are in continuous battle against constituted authority. Paul admonishes us to mark them and avoid them. This is very necessary to avoid been contaminated by their eloquent speeches that are hell sponsored. We must as Christians pay serious heed to the above instruction of Paul the apostle. Mark and avoid them. One easy way to identify them is their continuous anti authority stand. They initiate divisions and offences and most times draft innocent but loose individuals to carry out their nefarious activities. They must find fault in every move of the church authorities. They do not serve the Lord but their own belly. Of these the bible warn us in Titus 1:10-11(KJV) “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially of the circumcision. Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake” The bible said that the leaders are accountable unto God. Be careful not to be used to subvert authority. The anointing flows from head down, Psalm 133:2 “It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirt of his garment”. The flow of the anointing is the flow of authority in the body of Christ. We must all be properly guided so that we will not become cast away after we have sacrificed to serve our God. Be mindful of how you carry yourself among brethren. We must be Holy Spirit led. We must learn to respect constituted authority and honour them for they are God’s representative. Whatever gift and operation that is bestowed upon you is for the edifying of the body of Christ, it does not connote that you are holier than your leader. Use your gift and calling with humility.
Father grant me the spirit of humility and a teachable heart in Jesus name
Bro. Joel Ezeugo