When Christ-followers allow human opinions, policies, ideas, or governments to divide them and make them hostile toward each other, they abandon the unity of the Spirit. The result is Christian factionalism.

Human authority systems are unredeemable because they are operated by fallen human beings (and demonic principalities and powers pulling strings behind the scenes). Regardless of the ideology, manipulative methodology runs the show as what the world considers strength and greatness “lords it over,” puts self-interest first, and pulls rank on people. Jesus told His disciples not to function that way, not to be caught up in world systems.

Instead, the greatest of Jesus’ followers are called to take the position of the least and to be the servant of all — to be meek, poor in spirit, without titles, celebrators of being persecuted, blessers of those who curse them, directly being led by the Holy Spirit and letting Him freely flow from within them as rivers of living water producing an abundance of the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, as citizens of the kingdom of God, Christ-followers are supposed to live as salt — aliens and pilgrims “in the world, but not of the world” and to keep the living resurrected Jesus always first.

Even churches and religious institutions tend to support Christian factionalism. For example, church pastorization promotes it by focusing people’s attention on a local paster instead of on the risen Jesus. The truth is: Christianity needs to be demonstrated and radiated more than it needs to be legislated, evaluated, and speculated about.

Without the Jesus thrill ever alive and ringing in our heart, it’s easy to fall in line with the world and its chaos. We need continual spiritual awakening! For some practical ways to keep Jesus first, search for: The Joy Of Early Christianity book.