Divisive & Critical People

Do you know anyone that believes they are experts at evaluating situations and people?  They [falsely] think they are able to correctly evaluate other people’s actions and motives. Yet they believe that their own actions and motives are justified and correct. Often even manipulating others to believe they're right, then acting coercively to get their way.

It’s fairly easy to observe the characteristics of these people. They are divisive, critical, condescending, and unforgiving. They have a tendency to be overly concerned with other people’s mistakes, and shortcomings. They criticize rather than help them, and would never consider coming along beside them or try to see another's point of view.  They do not have a loving heart.  They manipulate others by subtly insisting they acquiesce to their way and then proceeds to tear everyone apart who does not see things their way.  They seldom share their inner [personal] feelings, yet will speak their mind without regard to whom they may be hurting; causing others to feel like they are unneeded and their opinions are unimportant; which often causes anxiety in those around them.  They desire to have power over people and situations.  They are a compelling force that enables them to produce their desired effects on the actions, behavior, and opinions, of others.  They believe only their opinions are correct.  

When this occurs within the church it wreaks havoc among the members and prevents unity within the church.  Unity is what keeps the Church of Jesus Christ Strong. If the devil can find a few key members in the fold to cause division… as the saying goes… 

United we stand, divided we fall. 

We must learn to guard our hearts from adopting such a divisive spirit that seeks to destroy the unity of the Church. Or the church will not be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

 Romans 16:17NKJV

 [Avoid Divisive Persons] Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

1 Corinthians 1:10NKJV

[Sectarianism Is Sin] Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 

I looked up the meaning of the word sectarian: Narrowly confined or limited in interest, purpose, scope, etc., a member of a sect, a bigoted or narrow-minded adherent of a sect [group, clique, or faction]. 

Philippians 2:3NKJV

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

If there is division causing disagreements and arguments among members of the Church, then how can the body of Christ walk in the same direction?   The answer is obvious, it cannot.  I believe that the enemy (Satan) tries to cause divisions within the Church; mainly because if successful it keeps the church from looking outward [spreading the good news and doing good works] because its focus is now inward, with fingers pointing [critically] at each other and creates a stench that permeates from within. It has a name, and it has a large following… PRIDE.