Why Is There So Much Division in Christianity Today?
Jesus does not want the division.
All of the division in the “Christian” religious world must break the Lord’s heart.
It’s not at all what He wants. Before Jesus died on the cross, He prayed to the Father about this very issue.
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (John 17:20-21)
Why is there so much division among “Christians” today?
Because some follow people rather than Jesus.
There was division in the church at Corinth because some had lost sight of who they were supposed to be following.
For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:11-13)
They were Christians - and Christians are supposed to follow Jesus Christ. Paul had to remind them not to follow after people - even apostles like Peter and Paul.
Religious groups have been created around following some person and their ideas. Sometimes religious groups will even identify themselves by some person’s name.
Who are they really following?
Perhaps a better question - who are you really following? Jesus - or someone else?
Because some are more comfortable with tradition than truth.
Some in the church at Corinth were more interested in doing things their way instead of following the truth of God’s Word.
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. (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Paul warned Timothy that there would be people who would prefer to follow tradition and things they like rather than God’s Word. Paul urged Timothy to keep teaching the Word of God - no matter what.
I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. (2 Timothy 4:1-4)
Some religious groups exist today simply because they would rather do things their way than submit to God’s Word.
Sometimes, even when people are confronted with the truth, they would rather continue following their traditions and doing what’s comfortable.
What about you?
Are you following tradition, or are you following the truth?
Because some are selfish instead of selfless.
Paul warned Timothy that there would be Christians who have “a form of godliness” but would deny “its power” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). They would “be lovers of themselves.”
Sometimes people don’t follow what God says simply because of selfishness.
They want a religion that allows their lifestyle and their beliefs. So - they leave the truth and find what they want.
Following Jesus means we must put our selfish interests to death.
Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” (Luke 9:23-25)
What about you?
Are you following what you want? Or have you submitted your desires to Jesus and His way?