15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.
16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;
17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
The Bible teaches us that we are not to intentionally act in a manner which offends. We have to make sure that our motives are pure and unselfish, and that we are walking in love, pursuing, as verse 17 says, righteousness, peace, and joy. And, I believe that we have to get our hearts right so that we are not too easily offended by the activities of others. Our call as members of the body of Christ is to serve the head and reflect His character in the way we behave toward one another.
The Bible speaks about the importance of God's people being unified. As we are living, growing, and serving together - in one accord - we make a powerful impact on our world and on one another.
Romans 12 says:
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Union Grove Baptist Church is located in Elberton, Georgia, and recently, the church has become deeply divided - there are two factions: one is centered around a 103-year-old long-time member of the church; the other supports the pastor of the church, who tried to ban the woman from church services.
FOX Carolina has the story of 103-year-old Genora Hamm Biggs, who said that the pastor, Rev. Tim Mattox. tried to ban her from her home church of 92 years because she told him he didn't follow the Baptist church covenant. The pastor and other members recently signed a letter that revoked her church membership.
Some church members recently voted out Mattox as the pastor and tried to vote in a new pastor. That's when things got heated. The police came out to the church on September 20 to try to diffuse the situation.
+++++
Romans 12 says:
16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Union Grove Baptist Church is located in Elberton, Georgia, and recently, the church has become deeply divided - there are two factions: one is centered around a 103-year-old long-time member of the church; the other supports the pastor of the church, who tried to ban the woman from church services.
FOX Carolina has the story of 103-year-old Genora Hamm Biggs, who said that the pastor, Rev. Tim Mattox. tried to ban her from her home church of 92 years because she told him he didn't follow the Baptist church covenant. The pastor and other members recently signed a letter that revoked her church membership.
Some church members recently voted out Mattox as the pastor and tried to vote in a new pastor. That's when things got heated. The police came out to the church on September 20 to try to diffuse the situation.
In a letter to FOX Carolina, it was stated that Biggs became disruptive at church and violated the church's by-laws and that's why they sent the letter.
Court papers show Glen Jackson, a church deacon, filed four restraining orders on behalf of the church against Biggs' supporters. The orders cite threats, disruption and harassment. There will be hearing on October 5.
According to ChristianHeadlines.com, Biggs has been attending the church since she was 11, Fox News reports. She says she is very committed to the church. She even served as the church’s secretary for about 40 years.
Biggs takes issue with Mattox's preaching style, however, and she is not afraid to confront him about it.
"At one point, he had a crew in here and they were hollering and falling out in the middle of the floor," Biggs stated. "We don't do that in the Baptist Church.”
Biggs takes issue with Mattox's preaching style, however, and she is not afraid to confront him about it.
"At one point, he had a crew in here and they were hollering and falling out in the middle of the floor," Biggs stated. "We don't do that in the Baptist Church.”
Elberton Police Chief Mark Welsh is quoted in the FOX Carolina story, "It's just a shame they can't come to a solution on this."
Yes, it is a sad story, but can be a cautionary tale for all of us. And, as we embark on Pastor and Staff Appreciation Month throughout October, we can be reminded to spend some time affirming those who serve in spiritual leadership over us. Yes, there may be times when you find yourself in a place of disagreement with a church leader - and I believe that the Bible teaches some principles through which we can resolve conflict. The situation at Union Grove is not a prototype for us.
The Bible teaches us to try to be at peace with others, as much as it depends on us, according to Romans 12. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commends those who are committed to peacemaking. He later says that if we remember that a person has something against us, we are to go to be reconciled. I believe that reconciliation is the endgame, that makes for stronger relationships and a healthier church body. I believe that we should be communicative about our differences, and be open to a solution.
And, what a testimony it is to a fractured world when believers can peaceably settle their issues with one another! But, when our factions become fights and are lived out for the world to see, it does not bring glory to the cause of Christ. Hebrews warns us against allowing a root of bitterness to grow. Just as we are reconciled to Christ, so we can be reconciled to one another in Him.
No comments:
Post a Comment