Recently during a phone call a pastor said to me that "maybe I should look for another line of work", this was in response after asking him if he and his church would like to work with us during a rodeo event near his church. His statement hit me like a ton of bricks because I really thought he would welcome the chance to work together but I got a different reaction. His statement really hurt.
I make this comparison because many Christians have had similar situations by well meaning, but grossly misinformed church goers. What are we thinking? We talk so much about ministry and sharing Christ to the world around us and yet we get caught up in a territorial conflicts. Isn't Christ the only reason we do what we do and He calls us to our purpose, after all that's what we have been teaching in church for the past 6 or 8 years. Remember the Purpose Driven Church, Purpose Driven Life and all the subsequent series. Someone left out the chapter about your purpose being validated only if your approved by someone from your church. This would negate the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives, oh and the other part, faith and grace.
Look at James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? The chapter starts off like this; James 2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
We want everyone to like us in our church and if someone is different or from the wrong area or not the right area we don't approve. Although this may be a natural reaction of our human condition,this falls short in the face of the gospel. Look at James 2:26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Our churches need guidance and it is up to us, the Pastors, elders, ministry leaders and teachers to train and disciple them without prejudice. In the Message Bible, Hebrews 12:12-16 says it best; So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it! Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent.
Ask God to cleanse your heart and mind from bitterness and distress in your life. This is hindering your effectiveness for Christ. If you have been saved and know Jesus as your Saviour look to Gods word for your direction and if you have never asked Jesus into your life do it right now. Just say, "Jesus I am a sinner, I believe you are the Son of God, please come into my life and take up first place in my heart, make me into the kind of person you want me to be."
If you said that prayer for the first time please let us know, email me so we can pray for you and your new life in Christ.
