Moment of Truth: Casting Down Lies #26

“It’s okay to “agree to disagree” on doctrine to keep the peace.”

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. ~Philippians 4:2 KJV

Euodias and Syntyche were two women who undoubtedly “agreed to disagree” on matters in the Lord. This scripture does not tell us that they were fighting as some have taught, but “agreeing to disagree” always causes even “friendly,” arms-length divisions. In fact, Paul beseeched another group in the same manner.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. ~1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV

They were not unified in having a “same mind” in the Lord. This keeps heresy ripe in the church.

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ~Philippians 2:2 KJV

Search out the matter. Sometimes only one person hinders doctrinal unity. That hinderer feels that searching the scriptures would cause a fight and so they default to the “Let’s agree to disagree” line, but this is a lie from the devil. This sin divides people because in the back of their minds they always know that there is a disagreement with someone in the church. Do God’s will and have a heart to search out the one truth to remain unified in the doctrine.  Jews are well-known for this as well as the apostles and elders in the book of Acts. (Read Acts 15, Acts 17:17, and Acts 19 that shows that they disputed to come to unity.)

Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. ~Philippians 3:16 KJV

[1] Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; [2] That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. ~1 Peter 4:1-2 KJV

[1] Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! [2] It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; [3] As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. ~The whole of Psalm 133:1-3 KJV

Lastly, it is good to remember that God is more pleased with an accurate doctrine than with “keeping peace.”

Jesus tells how the baptism of fire brings division because those who do not have Christ’s baptism have difficulty being unified with them.

[49] I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? [50] But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! [51] Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: [52] For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. [53] The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. [54] And He said also to the people, “When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, ‘There cometh a shower’; and so it is. [55] And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, ‘There will be heat’; and it cometh to pass. [56] Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? [57] Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? “ ~Luke 12:49-57 KJV

Therefore, divisions will absolutely occur because some will not accept the truth. However, never upholding it to keep the peace is not the right approach. We should always uphold the doctrine.

“[11] And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: [14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” ~Ephesians 4:11-15 KJV