God’s word is truth (John 17:17) and when we are all grounded in the truth of God’s word unity will be the result (Ephesians 4:1-15).
Truth does not cause division because truth is constant. Division comes when someone blows the winds of false doctrine and topples Christians who are not grounded in truth. They are “carried about by every wind of doctrine” because they have no roots. False teachers use trickery, cunning craftiness, and deceit to cause division in the church (read the passage above).
There is much division in the religious world today. Why? There are two reasons: First, false teachers come into a church and draw away disciples after themselves (Acts 20:29-30). They are more interested in promoting themselves than in teaching God’s truth. Second, Christians who are not grounded in the truth follow the false teachers. Their ears have been tickled by the cunning craftiness of the false teacher and they are drawn away after their own lust (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
False teachers and itching ears always result in divisions and “new churches” spring up. But truth always brings unity among those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6).
Alton Norman
Owingsville church of Christ
Owingsville, KY