Are You Controlled by the "Party Spirit"?

We sat in a circle as a group of fellow-workers discussing the meaning of fellowship. Several questions arose which I would like to share with our readers along with some thoughts the Lord has been impressing upon me.

What produces unity among believers? Is it their agreement on certain doctrines or practices? Does fellowship come through uniformity in organisation or forms of worship? Must we all be of one denomination before oneness can be experienced?

Certainly these questions are vital for there are multiplied thousands forming little parties around various doctrines and practices today. From my observation I am convinced that oneness among God's children does not come primarily through organisation or outward agreement. There are too many evidences where sincere believers within various groups have enjoyed rich fellowship together.

Then what is it that produces unity? In Ephesians 4:3 Paul speaks of "endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Could unity be primarily a matter of spirit rather than outward agreement? If this be true then it would be possible for believers from various backgrounds—even holding diverse views—to enjoy oneness together.

There is a "party spirit" which arises either through pride of knowledge or through trying to force uniformity of practice among God's children. This spirit of division is one of Satan's chief tools to destroy fellowship among believers.

While Paul was dealing with various problems at Corinth he wrote, "for ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?" Here he points to the "party spirit" that divides God's children into little cliques. Then he goes on to explain that God uses various ministries—Paul, Apollos, Cephas—to water and cultivate His field, but it is God who gives the increase.

Are you controlled by this "party spirit"? Does pride of knowledge or selfish ambition prompt you to withdraw from other believers who do not see exactly as you do? Or do you insist that all must conform to your practice before you will accept them?

If we would know true fellowship we must lay aside this "party spirit" and see that God Himself is working out His purpose through many ministries and various practices. Paul concludes "all are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's."

When we see God's children only as members of Christ's Body then we shall enjoy fellowship together regardless of outward differences. Only as we abide in Christ can we know the unity of the Spirit which transcends organisation and forms. Let us lay aside the carnal "party spirit" so that Christ may truly be Lord of His Church.