Divided

DEVOTION
ROMANS
DIVIDED
Rom 16:17-19
17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. NIV
There are so many voices of smoothness in this world today; it is easy to understand how people may be deceived. The idea here for me is do I listen to any of them? I have to say absolutely not. Yet I have to ask, what makes my thinking correct? I am not so concerned about ignoring the smooth talk of the unsaved world. I will not be distracted from the truth of the Gospel with that type of talk. But what about all the smooth talk of other believers and their arguments about doctrinal issues? There are so many different denominations who all believe their particular brand of Christianity is the right one. Does all this cause divisions among the body of Christ? I surely think so. Do I cause divisions? I may, but if I listen to them and agree I believe I would be in violation of the truth. I suppose it would be even worse if I internalized this division. I must watch out for those who would endeavor to cause a division within myself over the truth with teachings which do not line up with the truth I have learned through my own studies as guided by the Spirit. Now, I ask myself if that is some form of spiritual pride, and I answer with a resounding No! I do know I will not be moved by great oratory and arguments using portions of the scriptures to substantiate some doctrine or theological position which differs from the truth I have learned. Yet I cannot help but feel too many people have done just that. They have allowed themselves to be convinced into some form of thinking by some smooth talking individual. Again, so many denominations, so many divisions among people who claim to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. So many, but do I dare think they are intent on serving their own appetites? I have to admit those smooth voices which flood the airways, seeking super large crowds which produce super large sums of money for lifestyles that equal that of the rich and famous are certainly who the scriptures talk about here. I have not and will not be deceived by them. I will not be divided. I am united with my Lord.