Once again, we come upon a work of the flesh that shares similarities with another sin on this list. Variance and strife are similar to each other and both share the same Greek root word "eris". Strife is the partaking of discord while variance is promoting or teaching discord.
In Greek mythology, there was a goddess named Eris (Discordia in Roman mythology). She was the goddess of strife and discord. Any person or group that teaches another Gospel other than what is found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and Romans 10:9-10 is guilty of variance. Variance is a perversion of the Gospel and has been taking place since the beginning of the Church Age. In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul addressed this sin. He said "for it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" (1:11-13). Variance is the opposite of unity. Paul also said that, even though we are different people and have different gifts, we are still a part of ONE body (Romans 12:5) and reiterates this point in 1 Corinthians 12:12.
To further explore why this sin is so terrible, it is important to understand the full meaning of the Greek term that Paul used. Eris depicts a bitter and mean spirit that is so consumed with its own self-interests and self-ambitions that it would rather split and divide than to admit it is wrong or give an inch to an opponent! Variance is the first component of strife. Variance is the very reason for splits in churches and families. It starts with a leader or leaders creating a body of followers seeking division. Variance promotes hatred and strife. Variance is the opponent of love and compromise.
Next work of the flesh: emulations