"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive" (Rom. 16:17-18).
In my years in the ministry I have learned that what causes more damage to the hearts of Christians is the venom released from an untamed tongue. One Pastor put it this way, "I know what most easily destroys churches. It is not crack cocaine. It is not government oppression. It is not even lack of funds. Rather, it is gossip and slander that grieves the Holy Spirit."
One of the great dangers about those whose tongues bring so much damage is that their poison is disguised in, as Paul wrote, "smooth talk and flattery." In addition, Paul wrote, that they prey on and "deceive the hearts of the naive." I plead with you to avoid those who under the pretense that they are looking out for you, are causing division and creating obstacles in your life. They're a cancer and we must avoid them like the plague.
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