People who are insecure and/or anxious about the things they (think) they believe in, are easy prey to a “party spirit”–and the reason, is because, they fear losing their “idols,” whatever they may be.  Only those who, by grace alone, are firmly rooted in and secure in their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are capable, (again, by grace alone), of living above a “party spirit.”

By, “party spirit,” I mean a spirit that is so committed to one side of an organization or cause, that a person is both identified by it, and is indifferent (or blind) to the other side(s) (of these organizations or causes).

 The more important one’s outward position or call is in the world, the more critical it is *not* to be swept into and up in a “party spirit.”  In this regard, I would address, probably more than anyone else, the truly-called gospel ministers of Christ’s true, humble, and still imperfect church.

First of all, the avoidance of a “party spirit” does *not* mean that one does not have strong and firmly-held beliefs and convictions.  In fact, I will argue that only those who *do* have true, strong, and firmly-held convictions and beliefs are *capable* of *avoiding* a “party spirit.”  The reason for this, is because the Objects of our faith and belief convictions are *so* elevated *over* the world and the things in the world, that a “party spirit” becomes easily perceived by us as way “below” us. . . . On the other hand, those who fall into a “party spirit” do so, because they are not committed (well enough) to the highest and most noble Beings and/or causes.  (Those “Beings,” of course, are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and the great “causes” are the gospel of grace, and the redeemed church of elect souls.) . . .

So, the following is what often occurs in the fallen world. . . . Sinners get together, and they are bonded by some unifying force, (so far/so good).  But, because we *are* still sinners, inevitable fissures and separations begin to appear in our midst.  Then, the big mistake typically happens: people think that they have to make the decision to be on one side of the issue, or the other.  And therefore, like kids on a playground, someone draws the proverbial “line in the sand”; and some people line up on one side, and the others on the other side.  Now, both sides are facing each other in an adversarial stance.  The devil warms his hands at this sight, and he forces a devious smile onto his sullen and tortured face when he beholds this scenario.

Let us assume, for the sake of argument, that the two sides are now firmly “established”; and that one must live with this regrettable “reality,” (at least for now).  Now, what are we to do?  My advice, at this point, is that we do not “play” on that “playground.”

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