Truth, by its very nature, can be divisive. There is a right and a wrong. If one thing is true, then another thing concerning the same matter that is different is false. A vital duty of the pastor is to promote and preserve that which is true, and counter that which is false. Jesus said, “[God’s] word is truth,” (John 17:17b). Yet, He also said in the same context, “that [disciples] all may be one…that the world may believe that [God] sent [Jesus],” (John 17:21). Being right and being one are two sides of the same coin. These are not contradictory truths, but complementary ones.In the passage in Luke 9:49-50, the disciples have chosen truth over unity, and have done more—they have become divisive. They have seen some who are not of their group casting out demons. Rather than rejoicing in the power of darkness being repelled, they are more concerned that those acting on behalf of the Kingdom of Light are not part of their “denomination.” Jesus—while not minimizing believing right—nevertheless maximizes belonging to the right side.
I am seldom in doubt, but I am not always right. I like to think I am right and I should strive to be right, but only God is omniscient. He alone is utterly right. Jesus said that He was and is the very embodiment of absolute truth, (cf. John 14:6). If you do not accept there is absolute truth, then you have no basis for attempting to get things right because what would or could be right?
All of the world is wired up by the Creator to function according to truth. Science, engineering, mapping, mathematics, medicine, and such have precise formulae that make things work out to the proper conclusion. Yet, because we are fallible humans—though we attempt to get things correct—we sometime learn that there is greater understanding. Scientific theories have often changed as more insight is gained. Absolute truth is absolutely true in the Word God has communicated and the world He has created. Truth never changes, but our understanding of it may.
There is much that I know to be right concerning doctrine. I should never preach a sermon unless I am convinced I have accurately interpreted the text and I am proclaiming truth—“rightly dividing the word of truth,” (2 Tim. 2:15). Correct interpretation may lead to division, but being divisive in spirit is wrong. Divisiveness is marked by majoring on minors.
Being fallible human beings means we can know the major matters and not dare compromise on them. Because there is truth, we should seek to know it and preach it, even in minor issues. But, majoring on minors and seeking disputes over disputable issues is not right. The same chapter that demands the preacher to accurately interpret Scripture also says, “avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,” with a spirit of humility, (2 Tim. 2:23-24). The preacher must fight for truth, but if he is always looking for a fight, then he has a pugilistic spirit, contrary to the spirit of Jesus demanded here.
Yesterday, I had the privilege on my mission trip of having fellowship with a brother who is an Anglican priest. He listened and embraced my preaching with enthusiasm. This man is not a liberal (as a great many Anglicans today are), although if we get down into the details we would disagree over certain doctrines that make me a Baptist and not an Anglican. But, this man is a conservative, Bible-believing soldier of the cross. Think of World War II and the alliance of Brits and American soldiers who though different, fought against a common foe. This man and his wife live in an area hostile to faith. The numbers of Bible-believers is small and the opposition of demonic power intense. They embrace one another in love for God and each other. They live with some differences or they would not live—period. In the fight for freedom in America, Ben Franklin is attributed to saying, “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.”
We may be coming to such a time for Christianity on a global scale. The Dragon and his followers are raging, for his time is short. Those who hold to fundamentals of the faith must rally to fight against the Devil and his troops. In such conflict, there is no time for a divisive spirit. That is what Jesus said—and that’s the truth!
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