It’s no wonder many unchurched people have negative attitudes toward the church and Christians in general. Most who oppose Christianity declare hypocrisy as their great aversion to the faith and detest the condescension and judgmental attitudes many Christians engage in.
In addition to alienating non-believers from the church there’s also an impetus to divide people within the church with the same modus operandi. The church seems to channel more energy into fighting against itself than fighting Satan and his agenda to cause dissention. In fact, the church is the epitome of division. And there’s a reason for that.
This article is to explore the reasons why Christianity has been literally PLAGUED with strife and destruction from the very onset of its development. It’s a spiritual problem in a platform where spirituality is cultivated. Because humans are spiritual creatures, we can open portals to the angelic and demonic realms as well. And the most fitting environment for spiritual conflict to occur is in the Church.
These demonic forces have been given precise orders to execute on the body of Christ and because most Christians are not aware of these well-defined infernal purposes, disputes are never resolved.
There are hellish assignments against the church. True believers however, who humble themselves and allow God to live through them have a Godly force within that can hinder and even destroy the works of the enemy.
The greatest Enemy – Pride
Pride verses Godly Wisdom – Pride causes arguments, but those who listen to others are wise. Prov. 13:10 (Also See Prov. 3:13-15 -Wisdom is the Tree of Life)
Self-exaltation verses Personal gifts from God – Every man that is among you, should not think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. Rom 12:3
Pride in the church has led to many catastrophic divisions and has allowed the assignments from Hell to manifest among the brethren.
Evil Assignments Against the Church
1. Abuse of Power When groups of people follow someone with charismatic and intriguing gifts, the outcome can result in blown out egos. Accolades and admiration from star struck fans runs parallel with idolization. Fame in the flesh materializes into self-serving complexes.
2. The Love of Money – Churches can fall into the trap of developing marketing strategies like a business for profit. Misuse of tithes and offerings have resulted in the love of money and personal gain for ministerial leaders.
3. Church Politics- A sense of hierarchy can turn a Godly calling into simply a vocation. A vocation that caters to man instead of a ministry of and to God. Many church decisions are based on influencing or favoring the wealthy, the higher status or the powerful. On the other side of the coin, the power of committees and high-status leadership boards can manipulate the pastor(s) and cripple the vision God has given to him or her.
4. Debates and Apologetics among believers – What does an argument profit? Demonic voices are heard in the attitudes of many Christians. Competitive arrogance becomes a church sport. Verbose rhetoric is contagious and causes closed minds, unwillingness to listen, condemnation and unholy judgment.
Don’t let anyone forget these things. And with God[ as your witness, you must warn them not to argue about words. These arguments don’t help anyone. In fact, they ruin everyone who listens to them. 2 Tim 2:14
5. Proof testing – Christians can often fall into the diabolical trap of proof texting, ignoring scriptures that do not line up with their idealism. Many will scour for text that lends credence to preconceived notions and theories. This can also result in Christians consigning their brothers “to Hell” or deem them “less than Christian” because they see things differently.
These are the things you must teach and tell the people to do. 3 Anyone who teaches something different disagrees with the correct and godly teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 Those people who disagree are proud of themselves, but they don’t really know a thing. Their minds are sick, and they like to argue over words. They cause jealousy, disagreements, unkind words, evil suspicions. 1 Timothy 6:2-4
I pray that we who call on the Name of the Lord be vigilant to live in the Light and to love one another. May we not be subject to the wiles and assignments of Satan that specifically targets the Church.
