Truth-Based Unity at the Cost of Truth-Based Division

Romans 16:17-20

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. 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. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Why does Paul seek unity (“watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles”) and, in the same sentence, advise disunity (“avoid them”)? His Inspired letter to the Romans shows his wisdom: for unity grounded in truth, it may be necessary to cause truth-based division from those whose doctrine runs contrary to the doctrine of the apostles.

The Greek for what is translated here ‘flattery’ is literally translated ‘good word’, and the word is translated ‘blessing’ in almost every other occurrence in the NT. This essentially means nice, good, well-spoken people will “deceive the hearts of the naive.” I certainly think the Church is in grand need of a face-lift, but can we abandon doctrine if it was so important to the early Church?