Our studies reveal that the Bible places great emphasis upon the evils of strife. Any sincere believer should recognize that this negative strife is often based upon pride, hatred, and a love for transgression. Yet, there are times when the opposite holds true. Striving can be done out of a holy desire to please the Lord. Perhaps the most significant aspect concerns the enemy with whom believers strive. The apostle Paul said that he “strived to preach the gospel” (Romans 15:20) and desired for believers to “strive together with” him in prayers to God (Romans 15:30). He further illustrated his point concerning striving by pointing out some opposing parallels: the world strives for mastery in order to gain a corruptible crown, but believers should strive to gain an incorruptible crown.
Time is short! The time of Christ’s return is approaching quickly (Romans 13:11-12). There is no time for petty strife amongst believers. This is not the time to stir up the troops one against another, but rather the time to rally them under the same banner admonishing them to adorn the same armour (Romans 13:12). This is the time for believers to walk honestly (Romans 13:13). The battle has been raging for some time, and this battle leaves no time for participation in the rioting and drunkenness found in society (Romans 13:13). There is far too much at stake. The believers who choose to participate in strife and envy may feel as though they are winning the battle, but they fail to realize how they are losing the war. It is time for believers to crucify the flesh and serve Christ (Romans 13:14).
Men often separate sins into categories of what they consider big and little sins. Murder and adultery are often classified as big sins, while little sins might include things like pride, “white” lies, or backbiting. Yet a closer look at Romans chapter 1 suggests that God’s viewpoint of sin varies greatly from ours. According to the scripture, a person given over to a reprobate mind is capable of all of these sins. Furthermore, the passage tells us that those “which commit such things are worthy of death” (Romans 1:32). Imagine that! The Lord views backbiting as a sin just as wicked and vile as murder. Not only does the Lord find the backbiter guilty, but also judges those who “have pleasure in them” that do the backbiting and other such sins.
The apostle Paul was troubled greatly by the behaviour of the Corinthian believers. Due to their carnality, he could not speak to them as he would mature believers (1 Corinthians 3:1). Not only was Paul troubled by their actions during his absence, but also feared their condition when they would again meet face-to-face. He warned the believers that he would not be pleased if he found them guilty of such sins. Among the other shortcomings, Paul expressly mentioned their backbiting ways. The hope was that the Corinthian believers would repent of these grievous sins and simply do right. These admonitions should make believers reflect on the fact that the Lord Jesus could also come at any moment. How would He find us? Would we too be guilty of “debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings,” and “tumults”?
