Oh, man!!! If it weren't for the fact that these scripture passages for each day are randomly generated by a computer, some might think that I chose this passage on purpose!
I didn't; I'm too nice a guy.
It can be difficul to know, in any church, when there is a scism or division occuring, who is on the right side. The reason it can be hard to tell is because both sides truly believe that they are right and doing God's work. Some believe that there should always be peace in the church, and that anyone who has any part in such difficulties is wrong; but Romans 16:17&18 tells us that we are to beware of those who create dissensions and difficulties IN OPPOSITION TO THE DOCTRINE WHICH WE HAVE BEEN TAUGHT, in other words, scripture! Such a person serves themselves and not God and blinds others to their motives by the use of kind and flattering words. Beware of silver-tongued self-promoters!
The best defense any of us could have against such deception is to drink in God's Word, study it, know what it says so that no one can twist it around and use it to justify their destructive ways. Jesus acknowledges that some dissention is healthy, indeed it is necessary in the Christian community; "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies will be the members of his own household." (Matthew 10:34-36) There will come times when spirited debate and speaking the truth must occur. There will be times when we must stand up for the truth, even if that means separating ourselves from those self-serving others who manipulate through flattery and oppose the sound doctrine of scripture.
16:17 I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them.
16:18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded.