Within the church of God, the stage is set for another year of continued and more destructive upheaval as some leaders strive to draw people to themselves and their projects rather than to God. A few have claimed titles such as apostle, prophet, the First Witness, the Voice, and even the Messianic Prophet of Deuteronomy 18:18. Greedy men, determined to do God's work for Him immediately, are fleecing the flock. In some corners, there is an extreme focus on past days and leadership, with a resolve to recreate former glory, not in faith or character, but in media and material gain. Amidst this turmoil, it is vital to remember that God remains sovereign and is not unaware of the dysfunctions affecting His children. Jesus Christ, as the head of the church, continues to build it, ensuring that the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. He sanctifies and cleanses the church, applying pressure and friction to strip away carnality. At times, He allows the enemy, whom He can restrain, to test and temper the Body. Paul notes divisions and factions among the brethren, stating that such must exist so that those who are approved may be recognized. Additionally, not everyone associated with the church has been begotten by God, as the New Testament warns of false prophets, apostles, teachers, and brethren. Jesus teaches that tares remain with the wheat until the harvest for the sake of the wheat, preventing spiritual uprooting. God uses the presence of the false to refine and prove the true brethren, employing this consistent pattern to purify and perfect His children.

The Bible frequently reminds us that members of God's church should anticipate problems that disrupt their comfort. Peter advises not to be surprised by fiery trials, as they are to be expected (I Peter 4:12). Paul assures us that no temptation is unique, and God, being faithful, will not allow us to be tested beyond our capacity (I Corinthians 10:13). James encourages joy in facing various trials, recognizing that they test faith and produce patience (James 1:2-3). Jesus Himself warns His disciples of tribulation in the world, yet urges them to remain cheerful, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). The Christian journey, though rewarding, is seldom smooth, with peaceful moments often being the exception. God does not intend for us to settle into a comfortable state, as this can lead to spiritual drowsiness and complacency, which hinder growth and overcoming. Instead, He permits various individuals and situations to challenge us, prompting a search for godly solutions that draw us nearer to Him and build godly character. As Paul notes, factions must exist among us so that those who are approved may be recognized (I Corinthians 11:19). Such severe trials push us beyond comfort, driving us to seek solutions that align with God's revealed truth and strengthen our bonds with Him and His true worshippers.

Spiritual autoimmunity within the Body of Christ is a grave issue, surpassing physical autoimmunity in its power to debilitate and destroy. It manifests when parts of the Body misidentify others as enemies or view them with suspicion, causing tumult and inefficiency across God's church. This often appears as boastful comparisons between ministers or groups, insinuations that another member is less spiritual or converted due to differing affiliations, or leaders forbidding fellowship with members of other organizations simply for having a different approach or administration. Such improper discernment and lack of forbearance lead to identifying enemies at every turn, especially when members, blind to their own spiritual state, assume the moral high ground and reject contrary evidence. Rather than healing the wounds and bruises within the Body, many seem to drag the wounded forward, with one part assaulting another, creating a hideous sight while still attempting to witness to the world. The cure, though difficult to apply, lies in focusing on the Head, Jesus Christ, allowing Him to judge who belongs to His Body, assign responsibilities, and determine the Body's current actions, while beseeching Him for vision to see as He does, including our own spiritual state. When the Body works in concert without attacking itself, Christ is glorified.