“But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” (Galatians 5:15)
In the digital age, the Body of Christ faces a peculiar challenge: the rise of self-appointed “guardians of the flock,” particularly those aligned with so-called discernment ministries. Anyone with an internet connection can now establish themselves as a “defender of the faith,” regardless of their preparation or education. Blogs, YouTube channels, and social media profiles allow individuals to gain an audience by critiquing other Christians. The idea is that "all the world is a stage" and "I want to be the lead actor!" While some of these "bulldogs of the faith" promote themselves as the safeguards of theological purity, many of these ministries become divisive forces, tearing down rather than building up.
While healthy theological discussion is vital, many self-appointed guardians weaponize their platforms, turning correction into a prideful, ego-enhancing clickbait performance.
This post explores the dangers of such behavior and offers a biblical call to defend the truth, emphasizing unity, love, and humility.
1. Defending the Truth: Lessons From the Apostle Paul
It must be admitted that the Apostle Paul often contended for truth. It must also be remembered that Paul's "first name" was "Apostle." This must be factored into the equation. There was no "ministry of discernment" in NT days. There was no special calling on an individual's life to be the "attack dog" of the faith, biting and devouring everything that didn't line up with a man's particular beliefs.
The apostles were uniquely called and equipped to defend the faith through their authority, teaching, and inspired writings. They laid the foundation for the Church and provided Scripture as the enduring guide for doctrine and defense.
However, it must also be emphasized that defending the faith is the responsibility of every believer as the need arises. It is especially the role of ministers. We are called to contend for the truth based on apostolic teaching and example, as recorded in the Bible.
Ephesians 4:11-16: While apostles and prophets were foundational, pastors, teachers, and evangelists equip the Church to mature in faith and resist false doctrine.
1 Peter 3:15: “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.”
This applies to all believers, calling us to defend the faith with gentleness and reverence.
2 Timothy 2:2: Paul instructs Timothy to teach faithful men who will teach others also. This reflects the ongoing responsibility of believers to guard and pass on the truth.
There is no doubt we live in a day of religious shenanigans, frauds, and shysters. Pastors are primarily responsible for protecting the flock. It is also true that we live in a hypercritical age. Striking the right balance between cautionary vigilance and pastoral humility is essential. A valid principle is found in the Old Testament.
When Moses chose judges, he chose some to judge over 1000, 100, 50, etc. These judges were appointed to their respective jurisdictions and were expected to “stay in their lane,” so to speak. This principle reminds us of the importance of accountability and limits of authority.
We live in challenging times. Many online and TV ministries operate without ecclesiastical oversight or pastoral guidance. They are not accountable to any particular church body. So, who corrects them when they go astray? These ministries often have immense financial resources, power, and influence. What "little pastor" can stand against them? This imbalance highlights the need for discernment and wisdom on the part of God's people in addressing such issues without succumbing to the temptations of jealousy or unjust criticism. I will have a follow-up article on this aspect, soon.
Paul is often remembered for his fiery passion and uncompromising defense of the gospel. His letters contain sharp rebukes, warnings against false teachers, and calls for discipline that reveals his zeal for the truth, yet he did so with a heart of true compassion and, when possible, with the goal of restoration (Galatians 6:1). Too often, modern discernment ministries focus solely on critique, neglecting the humility and compassion that Paul exemplified.
Be reminded however, that Paul also wrote about humility, patience, and gentleness as essential characteristics of the Christian life. At first glance, these aspects of Paul’s ministry (Grace/mercy/compassion and Defense of the faith) might seem contradictory. Was Paul ever a harsh, mean-spirited, critical preacher or was he a humble servant of Christ? The answer to this question lies in understanding his context, motivation, and Christlike approach to ministry.
Paul never hesitated to confront error head-on when the gospel's integrity was at stake. His words in Galatians 1:8-9 are among the strongest found in Scripture: “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” For Paul, the purity of the gospel was non-negotiable.
This sharpness is also evident in Acts 13:10, where he calls Elymas the sorcerer “a child of the devil” and an “enemy of all righteousness.” These moments reflect Paul’s awareness of the eternal consequences of false teaching and sin. He recognized that failing to address such issues would lead others astray.
However, Paul’s sharpness wasn’t about personal pride or anger. He wasn't wanting to be the one who "broke the story." His rebukes were always motivated by a desire to protect the flock and to glorify God. Even in cases where discipline was necessary, such as in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, Paul’s goal was restoration: that the person might be brought to repentance.
While Paul could be bold, he was just as committed to modeling and teaching gentleness. He urged believers to correct others “in the spirit of meekness” (Galatians 6:1) and reminded Timothy that “the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men” (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
Paul’s personal interactions often reflected this gentleness. In 1 Thessalonians 2:7, he describes his approach to the church as being “gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.” He was not a domineering leader but one who sought to build up the faith of others with patience and care.
Paul’s humility is perhaps most evident in his willingness to acknowledge his weaknesses. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, he writes, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Paul understood that his ministry was not about his strength but about God’s power working through him.
Paul’s example teaches us that boldness and gentleness are not mutually exclusive but complementary. His approach was situational and always rooted in love. Consider these parameters of Paul's ministry:
Context Matters
Paul used sharpness when addressing persistent false teachers or blatant sin, where the stakes were high and the truth needed defending. With individuals struggling in faith or error, however, he was patient and compassionate, gently leading them toward the truth (2 Timothy 2:25).
Motivation of Love
Paul’s sharpness was never about exposing the latest scandal, proving himself right, or tearing others down. His ultimate goal was always restoration, whether of a sinning saint (1 Corinthians 5:5) or a wavering church (2 Corinthians 2:4).
Imitating Christ
Paul followed the example of Christ, who was both gentle with the repentant and sharp with the unrepentant (e.g., His rebukes of the Pharisees in Matthew 23).
This balance allowed Paul to defend the faith without compromising the command to love others.
In today’s polarized world, Christians often struggle to strike the balance Paul modeled. Some lean toward belligerence and harshness, eager to win arguments but damaging relationships in the process. The more militant they are seem to prove (to themselves and those who follow them) their virtue. On the other hand, others avoid confrontation altogether, compromising truth for the sake of peace.
Paul reminds us that defending the faith requires both courage and compassion. We must stand boldly for the gospel while speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Our goal should never be to dismay, demoralize, disgrace, disturb, dominate, or divide but to build up the body of Christ and point others to the Savior.
As we navigate disagreements and false teachings, let us remember Paul’s example. Be bold when the gospel is at stake, but always act with humility, gentleness, and a desire to recover and restore when possible—not destroy. In doing so, we can reflect the balance of truth
2. Biblical Warnings Against Hyper-Criticism
The Bible offers clear warnings about unnecessary criticism and division. Jesus Himself cautioned against a hypocritical, condemnatory, judgmental spirit: “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1).
Again, remember that Paul called for gentleness in addressing those who err:
2 Timothy 2:24–26
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Scripture also underscores the responsibility of Christian teachers to build up the Body of Christ, not fracture it. Ephesians 4:29 reminds us: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
3. The Harm of Biting and Devouring
The Apostle Paul’s warning in Galatians 5:15 is especially relevant today: “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” When believers publicly attack one another, they undermine the Church’s witness to the world.
Instead of demonstrating Christ’s love, such behavior fuels cynicism and division. Consider how public controversies often eventually escalate into outright character assassination. Today, we see more of a focus on the flaws of men, than the glory and perfection of Christ—creating disillusionment among believers and non-believers alike.
4. True Discernment vs. Destructive Criticism
True biblical discernment seeks to protect the flock and glorify God, but it operates in love and humility. Destructive criticism, on the other hand, often prioritizes being “right” over being righteous.
Jesus modeled this balance perfectly. He corrected the Pharisees and overturned tables in the temple, but His rebukes were always aimed at restoring God’s glory and protecting His people. Those who criticize without love fail to reflect this example (1 Corinthians 13:1-2).
1 Corinthians 13:1–2
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
5. Marketplace of Ideas or Theater of Division?
This is the heart of the issue: the drive for fame, popularity, and influence often fuels self-appointed guardians. Many men and women today have a desire to be "influencers" in the world, rather than true disciples of Christ. The internet has transformed theological discourse into a marketplace of ideas, but it often devolves into a shock theater of division.
The Appeal of Influence
Platforms like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter (X) reward controversy. The louder and more shocking the critique, the more clicks, likes, and followers one gains. This creates a feedback loop where the desire for validation and influence supersedes the desire to glorify God. Instead of humbly engaging with others, these individuals position themselves as authorities, often tearing others down to elevate their own platforms.
The Danger of Self-Exaltation
James 3:1 warns that teachers will face stricter judgment, yet many disregard this responsibility in their pursuit of popularity. Instead of scripturally and prayerfully approaching disagreements, they rush to post reactionary content, often inflaming divisions rather than fostering unity.
Public Rebuke vs. Private Correction
Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a biblical process for addressing sin that starts by first going to the individual privately. Yet, self-appointed guardians often bypass this process, opting to air grievances publicly for maximum exposure. While public rebuke may be necessary in rare cases, it should always be a last resort, not the first step, and also not because, "they wouldn't respond to me." A man's church should be the primary place for the adjudication of sins or wrongs. It is often a dangerous and unjust thing to try someone in the court of public opinion. In our legal system, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Yet today, both in legal and spiritual matters, individuals are frequently tried and condemned in the court of public opinion long before the legal system or the church has had the opportunity to address the issue privately and properly.
6. A Call to Unity and Love
As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ in our interactions. This includes engaging in theological discourse with humility, patience, and love. Paul’s words in Colossians 3:12-14 offer a fitting reminder: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering… and above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
"We must remember the broader mission of the Church, which includes both contending for truth and pursuing unity. While truth must never be compromised for the sake of unity, our defense of truth must be carried out in a spirit of love and humility, reflecting Jesus' prayer for His followers to be one (John 17:21). True unity is built upon the foundation of truth and should shape our interactions as we stand firm for what is right
Conclusion: A Plea for Discernment with Humility
"Discernment ministries" are not going away. The rise of self-appointed watchdogs in the faith underscores the need for discernment ministries to return to their biblical foundation: correcting errors in love and humility. Christians must be vigilant against the temptation to elevate personal platforms above the mission of the Church. People must guard against the cultural pull of becoming "attack dogs." As Paul urged in Ephesians 4:3, let us strive to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” May we be known not for biting and devouring one another, but for building each other up in love and truth.
Engagement Questions
How can Christians strike the right balance between discernment and love?
Have you ever been discouraged by the actions of self-appointed watchdogs?
What practical steps can we take to engage in theological discussions that foster unity rather than division?
How should pastors address religious shenanigans while avoiding the pitfalls of hypercriticism?
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