Factions Part 3
Remember, one of the definitions for faction is a state of conflict within an organization; dissension: a splinter group. Dissension is mentioned in the bible. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. As I warned you before, I warn you that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5
The definition of the word flesh:
having the nature of flesh, i.e., under the control of the animal appetites
governed by mere human nature, not by the Spirit of God
having its seat in the animal nature or aroused by the animal nature
human: with the included idea of depravity
the animal nature with cravings that incite to sin.”
According to the scriptures above, causing dissensions and factions is a work of human beings animalistic nature. With so many different opinions, theories, and reasonings, how can people walk and live together in peace and harmony? There is only one way, with the help of the Holy Spirit. So, in the political arena, if people do not live and walk with the Holy Spirit, there will be factions, divisions, pride, greed, infighting, fits of anger, you name it. A political party can't be in harmony. The Republican party is not the Kingdom of God or the body of Christ, and God does not command Republicans to walk in love and forgive.
In the Church, we are told that if we do not walk in the Spirit, we will devour each other by walking according to our animalistic nature. Christians that participate in government can walk in humility and pray for wisdom. James 1:5- “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” In Christ, we have the wisdom of God and the knowledge of his word. By bringing these things into the Republican Party with the fruit of the Spirit, we can overcome evil. The Church is not powerless in government; it is the light and salt this world needs.
The Lord sends us out as the salt of the earth, but why salt? What led him to choose that metaphor? Considering its importance, we need an extensive biblical meaning of salt. In the old world, raw salt was highly sought after (our words salary and sale come from the Latin word for salt). Its bottom line is that it stops decay and disintegration; it keeps together what is supposed to be together by arresting the forces that want to tear things apart. Here are salt’s applications:
Salt draws water and blood out of the butchered meat, while fungi and bacteria either die or become inactive. Salt also slows down the oxidation of fats, which is what causes meat to get rancid. Salt stops the decay of something dead.
Salt disinfects a wound.
Salt was used to “disinfect” people who were deemed so infectious to the culture at large that they had to be cut away like putrid flesh from a wounded body. The area was to be turned into a “burning waste, unsown and unproductive,” that “no grass grows in it” Deuteronomy 29:22. In the Bible, two clear instances of this deep cleaning are recorded. (See Psalm 107:34, Jeremiah 17:6, Isaiah 34:9, Zephaniah 2:9).
Salt kills impurities, similar to fire. “For everyone will be salted with fire.” Mark 9:49
In the Deuteronomic School, Moshe Weinfeld submits, “razing and burning of a city and its sowing with salt and brimstone seems to have been the conventional punishment for breach of treaty.” He goes on to cite the records of several known Assyrian kings who resorted to that practice after such a transgression. But note that salt is not just a symbol of death; it’s the symbol of death of that which is rotten. As Such, it is a symbol of healing and regeneration of that which was contaminated. (See 2 Kings 2:20-21).
Throughout the ages, entire wars were fought over salt, and note the similarity between the Hebrew noun (melah), meaning salt, and the word (milhama), meaning battle or war. The latter comes from the root (laham), which means either to wage war or eat. It’s part of the name of Jesus’ birthplace: Bethlehem. When Jesus says: “You are the salt of the earth,” he doesn’t just mean to say what a fine condiment we are.
Salt, therefore, is an instrument of trial and judgment. It is fatal to death, sin and sinners and is life to the saved. The meaning of salt has ties to battle as well. If the Church is the salt of the earth, occupying a governmental role must be viewed through the lens of waging war, judging, and cleansing with God’s Word. When a person decides to participate in government, they become a fiery salt shaker for the Kingdom of God, one that will purge and heal every issue it engages.
Christians filled with the Holy Spirit can engage in warfare at the highest governmental levels by being gentle as a dove and cunning as a serpent. How do Christians do this? By walking with the Holy Spirit and not indulging their fleshly appetites.
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When I observe factions, I also observe the leader or leaders of the faction. What is driving the leader of the faction? Is it power, money, prestige, or true reform? There are instances when it’s hard to discern, but according to scripture, if it causes divisions and rifts, jealousies, and envy, it’s a work of an animal lusting for sensual desires. There’s a lot of that in politics. Don’t look to the Republican Party as you would the Church. Most Conservatives are Christian, but not all Republicans care about biblical principles. There are even factions within the Conservative groups. Conservatives are not knitted together in love as the Church in Christ is asked to be. They are not one as we are one in Christ. I don’t hold the Republican Party or Conservatives to the same standard as the Church.
Christians are not called to politics but to government and governing. They are called to rule and reign with Christ and advance his kingdom. The power to change our nation is in the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God will sift the wheat from the tares and bring in a glorious harvest for his people.
When the Church walks with the Holy Spirit, they become knitted like the net in the picture above. Human hands can’t rip apart a net that strong, and a strong, weighty, and secure net is utilized to bring humankind to God’s love, mercy, and justice.
*Some of this article was from an excerpt from my book Government and Its People-How the Church Can Participate in Government.
You can find it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Government-Its-People-Church-Participate/dp/173691331X.
Good points. So far I am seeing way too much division among Republicans. I wonder if they know they are following the Democrats playbook.