James 3:14-16 says, “14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” 

We live in a day and age where people have an opinion on everything with their “Google” degrees in politics, religion and medicine, and they believe as King Solomon said, “Every man is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 21:2). Instead of following James’ advice in being, “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to wrath” (James 1:19), most people nowadays refuse to listen and choose to voice their opinions as absolute truth, whether that be at a lunchroom table or on social media. That’s why churches can look more like “cults” rather than celebrate diversity and love people in the kingdom while staying rooted, grounded and faithful in the Word of God! 

 

While some subjects and issues are diametrically opposed to the will of God, which needs to be addressed, others can be egregious in wounding people in the church and causing division. There is nothing wrong with having an opinion, but enforcing it as absolute truth and then attacking or defaming those who disagree with you doesn’t look anything like Christianity whatsoever. Right now, people are arguing whether or not take a vaccine. One person may say vaccines should be mandated, while others think it is completely un-American as it strips them of their rights and freedom to simply say, “No”. One may say vaccines are scientifically proven to prevent or limit the spread of Covid-19, while others may believe vaccines could contain chemicals or substances we may never know that can be harmful to a person’s body. The same goes with whether or not someone should wear a mask. Either way, subjects such as these have brought a great deal of divisiveness and strife, even in the church, and the body of Christ needs to be awakened to the enemy’s devices. Subjects, such as vaccines and masks, should not form a bitter wedge or strife among brothers and sisters in the kingdom of God! People who take vaccines or wear a mask have not compromised their faith nor have taken the Mark of the Beast, neither are those who haven’t taken a vaccine or doesn’t wear a mask are simply being selfish, not loving their neighbor as themselves or are uneducated conspiracy theorists. Being an “accuser of the brethren” looks more like the devil than it does Jesus.

 

So, it’s time to stop the accusations, be willing to listen to other people’s perspective and stay away from division! There is nothing in the Bible about vaccines or wearing a mask to prevent spreading an illness, and so judging and condemning people because they stand on one side or the other is completely foolish! It’s not worth fighting or arguing one another. Respect their decision, love people, pray for one another and move forward. It is that simple! Expose the backdrop of the enemy’s plans to divide the church and let us unite together as one to defeat every plan and tactic to the adversary. It is time to move forward!