The party spirit is one of the most destructive attitudes that can develop among those who profess to follow Christ. It is more than simply having convictions or belonging to a particular religious fellowship. It is an attitude of loyalty to a group, movement, or religious identity that becomes stronger than one’s commitment to truth. It places allegiance to a party above allegiance to the Lord.
Paul identifies this attitude among the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21. Among the things he condemns are “hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies.” These are not merely unfortunate personality traits. They are spiritual dangers, and Paul warns that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The party spirit has several unmistakable characteristics.
First, it is reluctant to acknowledge truth when that truth comes from someone outside its own circle. Rather than examining an argument honestly, it judges the argument by the identity of the person making it. Truth becomes secondary to loyalty. Yet the wise person welcomes truth wherever it is found.
Second, the party spirit cannot rejoice in the good accomplished by others. If another congregation, preacher, or Christian succeeds, there is little celebration unless that success benefits the party. Envy replaces fellowship, and competition replaces cooperation. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:6 that love “does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.”
Third, the party spirit refuses to examine conflicting viewpoints. It will not patiently study the other side of an issue because it fears what an honest examination might reveal. It assumes that it has already arrived. The Bereans, however, were commended because they received the word with readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to determine whether what they heard was true (Acts 17:11).
Finally, the party spirit destroys the spirit of Christ because it places human allegiance above divine compassion. It is often willing to sacrifice people, relationships, and mercy to preserve a position or defend a religious identity. Jesus reminded His hearers that God desires mercy and not sacrifice (Matthew 9:13).
There can be no healthy spiritual growth where party loyalty takes the place of love, humility, and a genuine search for truth. Christ did not die to establish competing religious kingdoms. He died to redeem a people for Himself.
Let us love truth more than our traditions, love our brethren more than our parties, and love Christ more than our own opinions. The spirit of Christ builds bridges through truth and love; the party spirit builds walls through pride and division.
BDD
