That togetherness is important to remember in any disagreement. We are not fighting flesh and blood. We are fighting powers of the darkness of this world, powers that are spiritual. (Eph. 6:12) They want to stop the good that God does. For instance, without sufficient prayer, when someone is told of God’s love, it’s possible for the devil to snatch it out before it bears fruit. (Luke 8:12)
We should work together for the cause of Christ. People should be supportive of each other, instead of arguing. However, they must also realize Jesus has final authority. So, one or both could be wrong. This won’t matter in something like whose turn it is to wash the dishes. There, compromise is necessary, and each side must listen to the other and talk things out. However, when it comes to whether some movie is okay to see, we must put God’s word first. He knows what’s best. Some heads of the household are a little stricter than others, but they should be doing it because they care about shepherding successfully. More on that in Part III, though.
Yes, there are times when people go separate ways. Paul and Barnabas did, Mark had deserted them on one of their mission trips. Barnabas wanted to take him again, while Paul thought that Mark was too inexperienced and couldn’t take it. (Acts 15:36-39) But, even there, they departed as friends, and always supported each other. Paul took Silas on his next trips, with Mark accompanying Barnabas somewhere. And, Paul left the door open to letting Mark help him later. And, Mark did help later; in his last days, Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark, and said he was profitable to Paul for the ministry. (2 Timothy 4:11) Any partings should be the exception, though.
A divided team can’t beat a powerful opponent. We can’t stop forces of evil that are tempting us and others around us, if we aren’t ready. Not only that, but if we argue and fight, that can harm a relationship, to the point where it’s not as close or effective. Paul refers to the armor of God because we are in a war for souls.
