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“You are still carnal. For since there is
jealous and quarreling among you, are you not carnal? Are you not acting
like mere men?” – 1 Corinthians 3:3
Want to increase your congregation’s attendance? Here’s a surefire
solution: stir up a fight, any fight, and watch in amazement as
long-lost members miraculously materialize. The sudden surge in interest
will be short-lived, of course. When the shouting is over the spiritual
slackers will vanish as quickly as they appeared, leaving the
congregation worse off than before. Why does trouble down at church
attract malcontents the way dead meat attracts flies?
A church conflict gives little people a platform on which to make a big
splash. It provides disgruntled dropouts the opportunity to feel smugly
superior to faithful disciples. Troubles down at church provide a cheap
thrill to the small-minded gossips who traffic in slander and
accusations. Dramatically taking an emotional stand against some “issue”
is much more appealing to the unspiritual than faithfully working for
the good of the church and the saving of souls. And above all,
controversy and conflict appeal to the carnally minded, who are always
more interested in “winning” than in resolving issues and patiently
building up the Lord’s kingdom.
While some individuals clearly relish the temporary spotlight of
controversy, their pugnacious behavior in the limelight of conflict
betrays an ungodly attitude: “If you harbor bitter envy and selfish
ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such
‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of
the devil” (James 3:14-15).
Having observed the consequences of controversy in other congregations
over the years, I am profoundly grateful for the unity we experience
here at College Avenue. We have been blessed with sound and spiritually
minded leaders who have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to
listen to concerns and complaints. Our people understand that while
every one is free to have their say, none of us can always get our say.
Consequently, once a matter is decided, and a course of action
determined, we pull together rather than pulling apart. May it ever be
so.
-Dan Williams |
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