Stop Fighting Among Ourselves

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

—Proverbs 24:3-4 (NIV)

 

     I recently heard the sad and disturbing story about a devoutly christian man who knew the bible, as well as most biblical scholars that I had the honor to study with during college. No, I am not a theology major but it was required study at the University I attended. This man continually amazed me and still does by his intrinsic knowledge of the Word. Now this man stunned us all in bible class with a very heartfelt statement, "I love this church and I love my friends in this church and cannot leave it. BUT, I cannot bring another soul, new christian, to this church as I feel that it would be the worst thing to do for that new christian soul." WOW! What a strong sentiment and statement of condemnation the church has placed upon itself in the eyes of one of its own.  

     I sat in silence as I listened to this man's story of how he was mistreated by "Christians" who should have been there to support and lift this man up as a shining example of Christ. This person had mentored me and stepped out front for me when I was struggling a few years prior. I had moved to another state when this all occurred but it resonated within me about the internal politics of our own church's. These are in deed our church's because they are not Christ's. 

     Which one of the members who 'threw stones' at that individual could have claimed to have 'died for his sins'? Which of those members could have claimed at that time "They were without fault" and therefore worthy to cast the first stone? Who among them was more righteous than the brother that they were assaulting in the 'Name of Jesus Christ'? I tell you, NOT ONE. None of them were without fault and qualified to cast a single stone. Yet we continually tear at each other and attempt to bring each other under our own power and authority when it is NOT by our authority that we are to be acting. Jesus did not call anyone to the 'head of the table' but instead called each of us to humble ourselves for the sake of the other Christians. It is Christ's body that we are a part of not mine or the Pope or any man on this earth. We are to live our lives as a holy sacrifice to Christ and by living in this manner Christ then lives through us. How was Christ living through those attacking this man? 

     We have become as tradition and politically bound as the Pharisee's, Sadducee's and teachers of the law that Jesus called 'White Washed Tombs'. We fight and bicker among ourselves so much that we are truly the laughing stock of other religious groups out there. I am not that old, yet I cannot name one church that I have attended that had not split do to our own internal issues and power struggles. REALLY. What happened to the wisdom from Paul that tells us to not be divisive and to work together for the good of the whole body? 

     So let me ask you, if you were building a house, how many differing Architects would you hire to draw up the plans? How many Primary Builders would you then hire to build it? My grandmother used to tell me that, "Too many chefs spoil the soup." We know there is only one Architect for the Body of Christ, God the Father. We know that Holy Spirit is the main Contractor and builder for Christ's church today. We are to be the workers. We are supposed to lift up and push each other up in kingdom building not beat each other down. When we each play our part we shine God's Light to the world as He intended. 

     Brothers and Sisters, it is time to stop fighting among ourselves as the body of our Lord and work together to save this lost world. Satan is laughing at us and our continued attacks upon each other. When we act in this manner he does not have to even get involved and can focus on other places. How do you think that he has won so much ground within our own nation? Please, I am begging you, STOP the madness and with prayer and fasting  return to kingdom building. In that way, we have a beautiful home built by Father  and filled with wonderful treasures through His Spirit.