As I write this my heart is heavy and saddened by a recent incident. In this incident otherwise rational and reasonable adults became trapped in a web of gossip, rumors, assumptions and incomplete information.
As believers we are to be open to the Lord’s leadership. This means at times we are to put aside our personal preferences, presuppositions and comfort zones. Change is to be approached in prayerful manner rather than with fear and unwillingness. Those that know me, know I am naturally resistant to change, so at times this can be difficult. As Henry Blackaby says these times are often a crises of faith, where we are challenged to trust God rather than our own logic.
Further, it is important to watch what we say. Yes, once again this is something that is also a problem for me. I think it is very important within a community of faith that we abstain from gossip. Ephesians 4:29-32 is quit clear about this.
“29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (NIV)
In Ephesians 4:1-5 we are commanded to seek unity not stir up dissension,
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (NIV)
Our standard for what is said should be is it going to build up or tear down. Bring unity or peace? If the answer to one or both is negative then it is probably better to remain silent.
There is nothing more troubling to me that seeing disharmony within the community of faith. I grew up in a minister’s home and have seen a lot of the ugly side of church. I watched a community of believers be torn apart every couple of years by strife and dissension usually because someone did not get their way or got their feelings hurt. Other times the motivation was about control or power. All problems were blamed on the current pastor or leadership. Many times I heard if we get rid of our pastor or now that “he” is gone things will be better. Funny, thing is this group of believers went through close to 20 pastors in its first 30-35 years of existence. Yet, each time the old pastor left the problems were still there. Getting a new pastor never solved anything because the problem was with attitudes of some in the congregation. Maybe emptying the pews rather than the pulpit would have been more effective in bringing about positive change. It was in this setting that I observed first hand what happens when a body of believers refuses to follow the leading of God.
Note: To those that know me personally please do not ask about the incident that inspired this post or leave comments that directly mention the incident.
The Dee Zone 