They Got To Go!

Titus 3:10
Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.

I’ve seen some great players traded, suspended, and released because they became a distraction to the team. Whenever one person’s behavior or agenda threatens the teams chemistry that person, no matter how gifted has to go.

Even Jesus had to check one of his prime time players, a disciple named Peter. Jesus’ mission was to bring in the Kingdom of God and save many lives through his death on the cross. He would constantly remind his team (disciples) of his mission and why he was sent by God but one day Peter decided to voice what he had always been thinking, “this ain’t gonna happen!” Now Peter meant well but he was in his flesh and spoke emotionally charged words that threatened to divide the team. Jesus had to put him in check real quick by saying, “Get behind me Satan for you want the things of men and not the things of God.” Peter loved Jesus more than anybody, he was very zealous, he was faithful, but he became divisive. Jesus didn’t cut him from the team but he warned him and called out the spirit of division acting through Peter. Satan’s role is to steal, kill and destroy. His best method is division with gossip, arguments and hidden agendas.

Peter was warned and got back in his rightful place. When we run into divisive people we have to warn them that divisive people cannot remain on your team. After the second warning that person needs to be released from your team no matter how gifted or talented. John Maxwell in the Law of the Bad Apple says, “Everybody on your team knows who the bad apple is, they are just waiting on you to do something about it.” The longer you wait the more credibility you lose with your team. If you don’t release the divisive one from the team, the team will release you as the leader, either physically or emotionally.

1. If your brother or sister sins against you go to them one on one. Matthew 8:15
2. If they don’t listen to you. Take one other person with you. Matthew 8:15
3. If they don’t listen to either one of you tell it to the church. Matthew 18:17
4. If they don’t listen to anybody then you have to let them go. Matthew 18:17

Dear God, give me the discernment to recognize divisive people and to give them proper warning. I know you are a God of reconciliation and a God of release. Help me to know when to do one or the other. More than anything don’t let me be divisive by being a gossip, partisan or petty but as much as it depends on me let me live in Peace with all men and be a team player.

In Jesus Name,
Amen