The Divisive Veil: The Devil’s Strategy to Undermine Christianity
Just recently, the General Conference of my beloved The United Methodist Church, made some to cry out from their dismay, and made some to celebrate as they felt the victory has been bestowed upon them. This morning, I encounter some other post of dissatisfactions and blaming in the social media, while some colored the flame of our official logo with rainbow colors to show the significant changes happened in The United Methodist Church.
Many in the social media are into word exchange regarding the changes that happened in the premise of ordination and marriage. These, today is the burning sensation that is now facilitating the the reality of exodus and divisions.
Religious Divide: The Potent Tool
Religious divide has been a potent tool throughout history, often employed to sow discord and weaken the foundations of faith. Within Christianity, this division has been particularly insidious, with various sects and denominations often at odds with one another. This essay delves into the notion that religious divide serves as a formidable strategy for undermining Christianity, playing into the hands of the malevolent force often symbolized as the devil.
Historical Context
Throughout the annals of Christian history, instances of religious division abound. From the Great Schism that split the Church in 1054 to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, conflicts over doctrine, authority, and interpretation have fractured the unity of believers. These divisions have often been accompanied by animosity, persecution, and bloodshed, leading to a weakened collective stance against external threats.
The Devil’s Design
At the heart of Christianity lies the belief in a spiritual battle between good and evil, with the devil portrayed as the ultimate adversary. The devil’s modus operandi often involves sowing discord, doubt, and division among believers. By fostering religious schisms and sectarianism, the devil undermines the unity and strength of the Christian community, rendering it more susceptible to moral decay and spiritual erosion.
Divide and Conquer
Religious division serves the devil’s agenda by diverting energy and resources away from the core tenets of Christianity. Instead of focusing on spreading love, compassion, and forgiveness, believers find themselves embroiled in theological debates, doctrinal disputes, and interfaith conflicts. This diversion of attention weakens the collective resolve of Christians to live out their faith and be beacons of light in a darkened world.
Diminished Witness
A fragmented Christianity presents a diluted witness to the world, muddying the message of Christ’s love and salvation. Instead of exemplifying unity and harmony, Christians are often perceived as hypocritical and divisive, driving potential seekers away from the faith. The devil relishes in this tarnished image of Christianity, using it to dissuade others from embracing the Gospel message.
The Call for Unity
In light of the devil’s strategy to exploit religious division, Christians are called to pursue unity and reconciliation within the Body of Christ. This entails transcending denominational barriers, extending grace to one another, and focusing on the essential truths that bind believers together. By fostering a spirit of unity, Christians can thwart the devil’s attempts to weaken the Church and stand firm in their collective witness to the world.
Conclusion
Religious divide stands as a formidable weapon in the devil’s arsenal, strategically deployed to undermine Christianity from within. By fostering discord and disunity among believers, the devil seeks to weaken the Church’s influence and tarnish its witness to the world. However, through a renewed commitment to unity and reconciliation, Christians can resist the divisive schemes of the devil and embody the transformative power of Christ’s love.
