The State Of The Church
What Can We Do With Blatant Bad Behavior
In The Church?
Jesus said that, in the last days, the love of many believers would grow cold because of iniquity (Matthew 24:12). Is our love for one another and a lost world growing cold because we are allowing sin in the Church to go unchecked? Galatians 6:1 says that if we see a brother overtaken in a fault, we should restore him with meekness. The Greek meaning is that we should consider him like a dislocated bone in the body, and restore him while maintaining a teachable spirit ourselves. Colossians 3:16 tells us to teach, correct, and warn one another using the Word of God.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:15-17 that if a brother sins against us, we should go to him and tell him. If he doesn’t hear us, then next time go to him with another brother. If he still doesn’t hear us we should tell it to the church. And if he still doesn’t hear us, we should treat him as a heathen. That’s all well and good when it’s another church member, but what if the offending person is our pastor or a member of his family? What should we do then?
There’s no substitute for obeying the Word of God - even when it doesn’t appeal to our natural senses. As that great song says, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey!” So we must confront blatant bad behavior in the Church no matter who it is. But we must do it (as Galatians 6:1 says) with meekness - ready to hear all sides of the story. Be ready to adjust what we say and how we say it at the slightest prompting from the Master. And also, only after praying for God’s guidance and filling our minds and hearts with His Word.
Maybe part of the answer is this. It’s a lot easier to confront an offender when we’ve become a person that he respects because we’ve shown him how much we really do care. It’s true that nobody cares what you know till they know that you care! Let’s make it our business to be (at all times) the disciple of Christ that He intended when He said, “By this they shall know you are my disciples when you show love one to another.” And let’s respond in faith and obedience to His command that we “...love one another as I have loved you...” (John 13:34:35) - not just in word but in deed (James 1: 22-23). Let’s also seek to be “pure in heart” so we can see as God sees (Matthew 5:8) - without seeking vengeance, or being bitter, resentful or indulging the flesh.
Let’s remember that we’re not there to take the offender’s inventory and evaluate his life, but rather to give him advice from our own life experiences and the Word of God to help him get back on track (Revelation 12:11).
If the pastor or his family is the problem, may I suggest that you very respectfully assure it’s something seen by others not just you - especially consult with a Board member before confronting the pastor. And if the Board member confirms what you’ve observed, ask him to accompany you to the pastor. If after confronting the pastor with a Board member, the problem persists then request the Board take whatever action they deem appropiate - and leave it in their hands without murmuring about it. Remember at every ocassion to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
Don’t be afraid or discouraged about being viewed as a “whistle-blower” or “snitch.” The Body of Christ is being wounded all over again, with hurting people who are suffering in silence. Real revival will happen when there’s true sorrow and repentence over our bad behavior and sometimes poor leadership. Seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteouness is the answer - not looking for prosperity or seeking signs and miracles! So we must confront bad behavior in the Church and with meekness and love restore our precious brethren!
Jim has written several books on Christian living, leadership, getting around in Christian circles, and on the Book of Revelation. Check them out at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com He’d love to hear from you 609-242-8772 or email: mantle1@worldnet.att.net.
