I know it's odd, but did you know I've been called a "divisive Christian?" Weird, right? Okay, but in all seriousness, I did get kicked out of a church once, because the ENFJ pastor didn't like my INTJ-ness, so he labeled me "divisive," and gave me the boot. Here's the truth: I am NOT a divisive Christian. However, there's a good chance that those people who call me divisive are the actual divisive Christians.

Division isn't all bad. Sometimes it's necessary, such as where Jesus tells us the below:

"Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 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. -Luke 12:51-53

This is because there will be families where some members get saved and other members do not. This creates a spiritual division, which eventually manifests in the material world in some, or multiple ways. The Christian is not to partake of certain worldly things - even with close family - such as partaking in pagan festivals that they all used to partake in together, before the Christian got saved, for example. Jesus didn't come to bring "peace, and goodwill to all men," but a sword:

"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." -Matthew 10:34-38

Lest you think the Bible only discusses division in regards to how people getting saved can divide one's household, it goes into other facets, as well.

Most of the time, when one Christian is accusing another Christian of being "divisive," they jump to a scripture such as the below:

"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

The logic of the accusing Christian, is that the other Christian must be bringing division to that local body of believers, because the accused Christian has a belief in a doctrinal stance that is different than the majority in that particular circle. The accused Christian refuses to get on board, and believe the same as those other particular believers, so that Christian is then accused of being "divisive."

Here's the problem. Regardless if that particular accused Christian is correct or incorrect in their doctrinal difference, that is not what the above Scripture is talking about. When it says "that ye all speak the same thing," it means that the Christians all speak the TRUTH, as laid out in the Bible. The division 1 Corinthians 10:1 is referring to, is actually in regards to denominations. Denominations are divisions in the Body of Christ, because suddenly Christians divide up into different groups, which often take on the names, or a specific doctrinal attribute title of a certain person, or group of people. For example - Lutherans or Baptists; Episcopalians or Methodists, etc. We know that's what the above quoted Scripture is referring to, because it becomes abundantly clear, if you keep reading. Look at the verses that immediately follow the Scripture in question:

"For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" - 1 Corinthians 1:11-13

The divisions were people dividing into separate groups, claiming that they are followers of so and so. In today's speak, using our earlier examples, this would be like "I of Luther, or I of the Baptist doctrines," etc.

Some Christians, in accusing other Christians of being divisive go to another Scripture. They'll use the below:

"For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" -1 Corinthians 3:3

They'll say that since you are disagreeing with the majority of that Christian circle, you are being carnal, in not just falling in line with what the majority believes. Is that what the above is saying? No! The very next verse makes it clear, that like in 1 Corinthians chapter 1, chapter 3 is referring to the same thing - the division of denominations:

"For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?" -1 Corinthians 3:4

We've now seen two types of divisive Christians. We've seen the good type that all Christians are to be, and that is separate from the world, including divisions in our own family, if they remain unsaved. Now we've just seen another type of divisiveness, which is not of Christ: denominations. According to 1 Corinthians, chapters 1 and 3, Christians who claim denominations are divisive, and carnal.

The Scriptures that discuss Christians being of one mind are always referring to them following the Bible, which is the TRUTH. The divisions are denominations. When denominations get out of the way, and the Christian earnestly seeks the truth in the Word of God, without viewing the Scriptures through a denominational lens, the scales drop from his eyes, and he begins to see what actually is.

What about divisions in the Body, that isn't necessarily always in regards to denominations? The Bible goes into that, as well:

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." -Romans 16:17

As we see, if we are around one or more Christians that are walking contrary to the doctrines of the Bible ("which ye have learned") you are to shun them (avoid them).

First, we try to help them:

"Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." -James 5:19-20

So, who are the divisive Christians? Clearly, you are not being a divisive Christian, if you are standing for the truth of God's word, even if no other Christians around you are. They are the divisive ones, for making a click (or even a denomination) that teaches things contrary to the Word of God.

The division-makers are those who are trying to get everyone to "get along," regardless of what's actually true. The divisive Christian is the one trying to stand in the way of the truth-seeking Christian, who is truly letting their light shine, and who is proclaiming the truth, no matter how much it hurts Churchianity's ears.