11/05/2022
We claim to be brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, and yet we argue, and even deny one another’s faith. Nothing can destroy an individual congregation, or the greater Church, quicker than if it becomes divided. There are points on which we might disagree, but are they significant enough that we believe that they would prevent us from receiving the promise of eternity? Are we willing to harm the family of God over a childish point, or our own sense of pride and stubbornness?
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
Psalm 133:1 ESV
We blame the dark forces of the world for how the faith in God, and Jesus have declined in recent years. We say that churches have failed, or that many have lost their way over the years, but when we look at the root cause for this we often find that it wasn’t the raging spiritual battle that destroyed them, but our own inability to dwell in unity. Our reluctance to live and worship in harmony has opened the gate to the pasture of the lambs, and has invited the wolves to feast. This begins when we don’t see that the latch was not set, the. That the gate was ajar, and culminates with the wolves placing their noses in the opening to swing the gate wide. Although our intention was never to allow the lambs to be devoured, In effect, our behavior has opened the gate to the devil’s schemes. It all begins with an innocent disagreement.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 ESV
There were two boys playing baseball on the playground. They were on different teams, and one of them hit a ground ball to the other. The ball was scooped up off the ground and thrown to first base, but the ball arrived at just about the same time that the one who was running’s foot hit the bag. The one running shouted “SAFE!”, and the one who made the throw yelled “OUT!” An argument ensued, and escalated until they were both wrestling on the ground, throwing punches, and calling each other terrible names. Finally, they were exhausted so they picked up their things and each went home… still calling each other names. This ended the game for everyone. Some left because they no longer felt like playing, while others had sided with one or the other of the two boys, and wouldn’t yield their point. This happens in churches and as a matter of fact this happened during a church league softball game. The sad thing is that not only was it not the Christian thing to do, but there was a rule that should have stopped this from occurring. The rule states that “a tie goes to the runner.”, and we have similar instruction in scripture as well. Here are a couple of examples…
“And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”
Matthew 5:40-41 ESV
“The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:14, 17 ESV
We have all participated in quarrels. Sometimes we were in the right, sometimes in the wrong, and at other times there was no clear delineation between the two, but when the argument was over we each felt dirty, and terrible. As a young boy who fought to defend a friend from bullies, and defeated them, I can tell you that I walked slowly home that day crying… not because I lost, was hurt, or that I was in the wrong, but because it hurt my very soul to have fought in the first place. Arguments might be settled by conflict, but no one really wins.
So let’s remember how arguments can leave the latch open on the gate of faith, how there are ways to avoid conflict, and that win or lose we all feel the pain. Let’s acknowledge that arguments don’t have to be large to harm us; that a small disagreement between good friends can destroy their friendship, and a single droplet of pride can turn us against one another.
If we can do this then the strength of our faith will be restored, our churches will return to worshipping in spirit and truth, and we will live good and pleasant lives with one another.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your instruction regarding how we are to resolve our disagreements, and maintain peace and unity as children within your family, and the Church. Bind us together as one family, and let nothing come between us. Let the faith of one strengthen the faith of another as we join together in righteousness… and seek to be holy before you. We pray Father that you allow us the strength of character, and faith, that allows us to resolve conflicts, settle disagreements, and negotiate peace and love. In this way Lord lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who loves us, and who despite our sin sent your Son Jesus to make peace within us by shedding His blood to resolve the debt of our iniquity, and free us from our sins. Praised be your name for every disagreement that is settled within your Church, and for latching the pasture of the lambs securely against all harm. Merciful are you who shields us from the evil one, and saves our souls from the remorse of having argued amongst ourselves. Wash us clean with the blood of Jesus, cleansing us of our sins, and every regret. Transform us into the image of Christ, call us worthy, and seat us before you with clear conscience to praise and worship you for all eternity… your unified family joined in faith.
““Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9 ESV
Rich Forbes