Being Against Those Who Are Not Against You: A Call to Spiritual Discernment

The Christian life is not only a journey of personal transformation but also a journey of relational wisdom. One of the subtle dangers believers face is the temptation to assume opposition where none truly exists — to treat others as enemies even when they are not against us. When this spirit takes root in the heart, it can fracture fellowship, hinder ministry, and contradict the love and unity Christ calls His church to embody.

Jesus did not call us to suspicion, jealousy, or rivalry, but to unity, humility, and love. Yet, too often, believers allow personal insecurity, denominational pride, or spiritual immaturity to color their perception of others. We find ourselves resisting and criticizing individuals or ministries simply because they do not operate within our circle or express their faith in the same ways we do. This posture not only harms others — it harms us, and it dishonors God.

Jesus’ Principle: “He Who Is Not Against Us Is For Us”

 In Mark 9:38–40, the disciples encountered a man casting out demons in Jesus’ name. They were disturbed — not because he was doing wrong, not because he was dishonoring Christ, but because he was not part of their immediate group.

 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For the one who is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:39–40, ESV)

Imagine the scene: a man is delivering people from demonic oppression in the name of Jesus. Yet rather than celebrate this deliverance, the disciples attempted to silence him. Why? Because they did not recognize him. He did not belong to their circle. In their minds, “not with us” meant “against us.”

Jesus corrected them firmly. His kingdom is not confined to a single group, style, or circle. The work of God often extends beyond our understanding — and when we oppose those who are doing His work simply because they are not part of our group, we risk resisting God Himself.

Guarding Against a Suspicious Spirit

There is a difference between discernment and suspicion. Discernment is a gift of the Spirit; suspicion is a tool of the enemy. Discernment examines truth and fruit; suspicion assumes motives and breeds distrust.

A suspicious spirit often grows from:

• Pride — believing our group alone is right or spiritually superior.
• Fear — feeling threatened by others’ success, gifting, or influence.
• Insecurity — comparing ourselves to others instead of trusting our calling.
• Ignorance — failing to understand different expressions of faith.
• Offense — allowing personal offense to cloud judgment.
• Tradition — valuing familiar methods more than biblical truth.

 The enemy loves to plant seeds of suspicion among God’s people because suspicion divides, weakens, and distracts. A house divided cannot stand (Mark 3:25). The enemy doesn't always attack from the outside; sometimes he whispers inside the church, “They are against you,” when in truth, they are simply different.

Unity Does Not Mean Uniformity

Scripture paints the church as a body with many members (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). Each part is unique and necessary. The work of the Spirit can appear in ways we do not expect or immediately understand. God delights in using different personalities, backgrounds, and giftings to display His glory.

Unity is not sameness — it is harmony.

Two Christians may:

• Worship differently 
• Serve in different ministries 
• Use different teaching styles 
• Come from different church traditions 

 And yet, both be fully faithful to Christ.

A Prayer for Unity and Discernment

Lord, cleanse my heart from pride, jealousy, and suspicion. 

Help me walk in discernment — not distrust; in wisdom — not fear. 

Give me grace to support Your work, even when it looks different than I expect. 

Teach me to rejoice wherever Christ is exalted. 

Make me an instrument of peace, unity, and spiritual maturity. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

© 2025 Steven Miller Ministries