Bitterness in the Church

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

When was the last time you saw this in church?

My experience may be different than yours, but it seems to me that we seem to put on this facade, or fake exterior, while at church. Nothing ever really seems to be wrong. We talk about the sick and those grieving the loss of a loved one, but do we ever really grieve openly in church over the sin which so easily besets us? In my life, that has been a rare occurrence. Why?

In my opinion, which is worth as much as yours (maybe), it is because we are not a forgiving people in the Church. I have seen more bitterness and back-biting than understanding and forgiveness in church. Whether the disagreement is over the stumbling of a minister or the ever more so important padded vs hard pew debate, we rarely see kindness displayed toward one another in church. We smile and be polite and then leave and spew bitter words towards the person who disagreed with us. I would rather our disagreements be open, whether they be venomous or light. I would rather harsh words be spoken in the open rather than in secret. In secret we hide the anger and bitterness and that poison gives our flesh and the Devil a foothold to cause real division in the Church. If we were kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving, then we could disagree even vehemently and still love one another. Because after the words are spoken, and the emotion diffused, then the Spirit of Christ can bring healing. I have seen it in my own life. It is displayed in the Bible between Peter and Paul in Galatians 2. If we display kindness and forgiveness, it gives others the freedom to speak openly and honestly about what is on their mind knowing that no matter what, you will love them. This is why it is so important.

Our loving and forgiving spirit frees others to be open. In Matthew 6:25-34, we see how God handles our anxieties about life's provision. He mentions the birds of the air how God provides for them. We read about how the flowers "clothe" the grass of the field. Our anxiety over providing the necessities of life can be a big hindrance to fully serving God. But in this text, Jesus tells us to, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." He is freeing the follower to focus on Christ. In the same way, when we express a loving, kind, and forgiving spirit it frees others to be open. The hard question is how can we be that kind and forgiving person? The answer is in the text, "Just as God in Christ has already forgiven you." His forgiveness frees us to forgive others.

Blessings to all who read.

What an Honor

Ephesians 3:1-2 , "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you..."

When I think of stewardship I think of money, possessions, time, money, talents, abilities, and money. Did I say money? However, one thing that does not come to mind is ministry. In my last post, I wrote a word to ministers about having doubts. I want to address my ministerial friends again and ask how is your stewardship going?

If you look at your ministry as something that God, in His infinite wisdom, has entrusted you with, it can be burdensome. It can cause fear and doubts. But I wish to look at it from a different perspective. I want my friends in ministry to see it not as a burden but as a vote of confidence from God Himself. He thought you worthy of placing you in that position. He thought putting you in that spot was a good idea for His kingdom. I have heard some people say when talking with atheists, "You may not believe in God, but He believes in you." I am not one who would use that saying, but it addresses my topic today. God does "believe" in those He has placed in leadership roles in the Church. At the beginning of the very next chapter, Paul says to walk worthy of your calling. I believe, in a sense, that my minister friends have already done so. They have walked in such a way that God has given them the honor of caring for others spiritual needs. Yes it is an awesome responsibility, but think of the honor that Almighty God has bestowed upon you. Personally, I think it would be pretty cool to be "Knighted," but that would be like a candle to sunlight in comparison to the honor God has given you.

I want this word today to be a blessing to my ministry friends. If you are struggling with the call, the work, or the frustration of dealing with other humans (ugh), that is also a blessing my friends. God is using this to make you more like Him. In all things, that is His goal. So take heart and know that God has confidence in you even if the deacons don't.

Many blessings to all who read this.

A Word to Ministers

I was reading through Galatians recently and as I came across chapter 2 something unusual struck me. In verse 2 Paul says, "It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain." Even the great Apostle Paul had doubts. Even he could be influenced by false teaching.

So, for all of my friends in ministry who may struggle with doubts about where your ministry is headed or if you are "doing it right," take courage in the fact that one who wrote almost half of the New Testament also struggled with doubt. It is the struggles you face that turn you to God for strength, guidance, and assurance. The struggles are what keep you humble and seeking God. Later in Galatians 6:1 Paul points to this fact in a roundabout way. "Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." Gentleness, or meekness in another translation, reminds us that if we swell with pride we are already on the path to falling. No man is too great to fall.

So, my beloved ministers of the faith, take heart that Christ knows your struggles. He loves you as much as He loved the great Apostle to the Gentiles. It is ok to struggle with doubt. It is not ok to struggle alone. If you struggle, seek counsel and wisdom from others. Proverbs 15:22, "Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed" or are established. God gave us each other and put friends in your path to help you in this life. It is in them that often times we find the wisdom of God to get us through difficult times.

May God bless and keep those who are on the front lines of this spiritual fight in which believers are engaged.