Keep Away from Those who Cause Division

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites.” Romans 16:17-18 NIV

In a troubling story published by Canadian Running Magazine yesterday, it was reported that acclaimed American ultrarunner Camille Herron, who has more than 12 ultrarunning world records to her name, along with her coach and husband, Conor Holt, have found themselves at the centre of a Wikipedia controversy. It stems from several edits to the Wikipedia pages of ultrarunners Kilian Jornet and Courtney Dauwalter, which degraded their accomplishments, while also adding accolades to Herron’s own page. The edits have been traced back to Herron’s email and Holt’s IP address… The Global Organization of Multi-day Marathoners (GOMU) president Trishul Cherns said he was appalled by the situation. “In my forty-six years of ultrarunning, I’ve never seen anyone as talented as Camille, who is so dedicated to creating division and animosity within the ultrarunning community. Unfortunately, the Wikipedia story is part of a pattern of interference. This couple has a history of trying to disrupt athletes, their reputations, races, and performances by citing World Athletics rules that do not apply to ultrarunning and multi-day running. I was appalled by Camille’s criticism directed at athletes challenging “her” records and her efforts to discredit them. This unsportsmanlike behaviour is bullying and mean-spirited and has no place in the larger ultrarunning community.”

And you know, as disturbing as this story is, the running world is not the only place where talented people are dedicated to creating division and animosity in a place where unity is sought. The church also has self-centered, narcissistic, and mean-spirited people who for reasons of their own seek to cause conflict, strife, discord, and confusion within the body of Christ by teaching things contrary to the Truth. Of these people, Paul said “Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites.”

So be on your guard for people who are wolves in sheep’s clothing my friend—people who proclaim to know Christ, but teach otherwise. They are not to be tolerated in any way, shape, or form and have absolutely no place in the community of believers. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us how dangerous and destructive false teachers can be. Help us to be able to discern false teachings, regardless of the smoothness of a person’s words and how good they might appear. Help us to be bold in calling them out and avoiding them while warning others to do the same. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!