Heart Check: The Divisive Heart | ep25

Scripture is clear about the importance of unity in the body of Christ, but our sinful nature drives us toward disunity. Like all of these heart issues, they aren’t always clear to us, so let’s look through some of the indicators that can help us see The Divisive Heart expressed through our work.

You care more about your roadmap than the mission

You major on the minors

You forget what is at stake

You become frustrated that people are getting in the way of your systems.

Have you ever been frustrated at a person because they are preventing your ideal system from working? Be careful. It might be leading you toward a divisive heart.

Does any of this sound familiar? Can you see any of this fruit in your life? In a way, I want to encourage you that it probably will at some point. And really, the good news is that these things can change.

If this is where you find yourself, it doesn’t mean you are stuck here forever. Here are some things that can help you check your heart.

1. Pray that God will soften your heart

2. Start praying for other people

3. Think before you speak

Proverbs 15:28

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Proverbs 15:18

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.

4. Remember your role 

5. Work hard in the right places

Proverbs 18:19

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a citadel.

Fight hard to maintain unity. Fight hard against a Divisive Heart. If division exists between you and others on the team, understand that it is hard to restore unity. But also understand that the work of that restoration is the most worthwhile work you can be doing. A clever new system won’t have more impact. An amazing new program won’t have more impact.

Fight hard to win your brother or sister back.