There is a saying in baseball, “Keep your eye on the ball.” It is a reminder that the only way that you can hit the ball is if you watch the ball hit the bat. If you pull your head and look to the fences, you will swing above the pitch and probably miss or hit a grounder. The saying has a point in the church as well. There are people who will try to cause division to prevent the Gospel from being preached. It would be best to stay focused and not get distracted by petty arguments.
Romans 16:17
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.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball
In the early church, several parties appeared to follow Christ, but their beliefs didn’t fully line up. There was just enough Bible in them to be believable, but those were hiding significant doctrinal differences. Those people are still out there today. They may be prosperity preachers who aren’t as interested in you prospering. Some deny the deity of Jesus Christ. The list goes on, but it is up to you to be a good Berean and line up what they say against Scripture. If they don’t measure up, then avoid them like the plague.
Steer Clear
Nobody likes a troublemaker. Troublemakers in the church are those who cause division and teach false doctrine. Paul tells us to avoid divisive people. Pastors are to protect the church from them, and the leadership is to stand up to them. As Christians, we need to be watchful for those who try to subvert the work of what God is doing in the church.
Line It Up With Scripture
Let’s face it; there will be people you can never please in your life. They are either irritable or have an ax to grind but whatever you do falls short of what they expect. The Bible tells us to avoid these people. They are divisive and offensive. Most people can’t stand them but endure them because they don’t want to cause waves. We need to steer clear of their path. They may pursue you but resist their invitations. It will only cause you pain in the future because they are using you for their agenda. Avoid divisive people.
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