"Now John answered Him, saying, ‘Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.' But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. ‘For he who is not against us is on our side. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.'" Mark 9:38-41
These early disciples of Jesus saw themselves as "holders of the Way." They couldn't see at this point God could or would be working His works through some who were not part of their particular group. Jesus corrected the misconception in the mind and practice of His followers by bringing out these truths. There are "others" who are following Christ - doing His will, lifting His name, and working miracles in His name. Those not in opposition to Christ and His Word are on the same side in the spiritual conflict of the ages. Those who serve Christ's followers in the name of Jesus will be rewarded for their service (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
To be sectarian is to adhere to or be confined to the dogmatic limits of a sect or denomination, partisan, narrow-minded, or parochial. It's no wonder sectarianism is a repugnant term. Most folks don't want to be labeled as sectarian. It is the responsibility of spiritual leaders to avoid instigating or furthering sectarian thinking and practices among Christ-followers. There is only one body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6). Those who promote denominations, "isms" within Christ's body, "our" organization to the exclusion of others, or disharmony within Christ's body are clearly going against the teaching of Jesus. Such need to repent of this divisive, anti-Christ behavior.
I thank God as I see worldwide a refreshing work of God's Spirit bringing more and more Christ-followers into harmony with this teaching of Jesus.
Spiritual Leadership Concepts
Spiritual leaders need to lift up Christ and teach His followers His ways.
Spiritual leaders need to avoid sectarian promotion, teaching, and practices.
