Day Twenty One - Protecting Your Church

  • Tim Challies
  • 12/03/03
  • 3

It is my job to protect the unity of my church. Unity is a critical component of God's plan for Christian community and I must do all I can to promote it. The Bible gives several pointers on how to protect the unity in my church.

  • Focus on what we have in common, not our differences. We are called to be united, not uniform. Therefore I need to focus on what we have in common and not get hung up on small points. I need to find unity in diversity.
  • Be realistic in my expectations. If I find the perfect church it is no longer perfect the moment I join! I need to realize that no church will ever be perfect since churches are composed of sinful people. I need to bear with the church through struggles and imperfection.
  • Choose to encourage rather than criticize. I am to be involved and contribute to the church rather than stand on the sidelines and complain about what others are doing. I must not be judgmental.
  • Refuse to listen to gossip. By listening to gossip I am being part of the problem. I am to separate myself from those who are gossipers.
  • Practice God's method for conflict resolution. In Matthew 18 Jesus outlined the Biblical model of conflict resolution. I am to follow this model.
  • Support my pastor and leaders. God has given my pastors and leaders the responsibility and authority to maintain the unity of the church. I am to help them in this task in every way possible. I am also to honor my spiritual leaders through encouragement, love, prayers and appreciation.

God blesses churches that are unified. It is the responsibility of each and every Christian to do all we can do to protect the unity of our local churches.

Bible Passages

Warren quotes the Bible twenty six times using eight translations and paraphrases. Generally speaking he quotes the Bible within its proper context and uses accurate translations.

Point To Ponder

Today's point to ponder is "it is my responsibility to protect the unity of my church." This is often something we file away under the responsibilities of our pastors. We believe that it is their job to keep the church unified. But from the Bible we see that it is the job of each and every Christian.

I think we can often lose track of the little things we do that can hurt the unity of the church. Obviously gossip is one of the biggest ways unity is destroyed. When we gossip about others we are creating disunity. In my own life I have seen how gossip is a destructive force that has destroyed many relationships and many churches. We all need to learn to tame our tongues!

Up Next

Tomorrow's topic is Created To Become Like Christ

Comments (3)

1
Anonymous's picture
a comment from The Silent One • 12/03 @ 12:16pm

Pondering… very interesting about unity of the church. Each of us has a responsibility to keep the church strong and loving. Gossip breaks down love. If we have issues with someone or a group etc. we need to go to God for guidance on how to approach an issue (if it needs to be approached). In a group of people it is quite natural that we will have situations however it is how we handle it that effects the church community. We need to be reminded daily of how we say things. It’s a fine line as we should be able to open our hearts with our brothers and sisters when we have concerns or issues, and we each need to be faithful to eachother in those confidences.

That’s all for so early in the am. What time DO you get up at to write so clearly? LOL… MOI…

Has Aileen got her site yet?! I’d love to see her write so I can read it. Encourage her my friend.

2
Anonymous's picture
a comment from The Silent ONe • 12/03 @ 12:22pm

Derek Webb…I just had a chance to really read your review on tihs album… this sounds like an interesting album. I liked the one you lent me lastnight…although I have not had a chance to really listen to the entire album. There was one song I skipped right through…my eyes are failing me, I can’t even read the words on the insert…I must bring it to work, enlarge it on the photo copier so I can read the words. Keep up the good work!

3
Anonymous's picture
a comment from Elizabeth • 12/04 @ 10:34am

Hello! I have been doing a “loose” study of Rick Warren and the purpose driven life myself recently. Due to the fact that the senior Pastor and staff of my church are pushing for 100% of our congregation to do The Purpose Driven Life together. I appreciate your time and careful Biblical observations. Many people in my church are skeptical about doing this book as a congregation. My opinion about it is this, the Holy Spirit never needed a five point formula to woo any to Christ or to convict any of us about our purpose. My concern about this book and it’s formula is that it will (and has) lure people away from the Holy Bible, and the people that trust in it will rely on what it prescribes to do rather than commune with God and listen to the Holy Spirit; ultimately following what Rick Warren says rather than what God says. As you have discovered for yourself Rick has not used the Holy Scriptures as they were intended in various areas, which opens people up to being swallowed by Satan. Furthermore, having a five point formula for success is heading towards the witchcraft arena. There are no secret formulas for purpose where God is concerned. It is so important for each of us to hold the teachings of man up to the light of Scripture. Because we live in such a fast paced society not many of us take the time to do such, which makes it very easy for Satan to keep us from the truth; and to follow the latest fad in Christian material. I will be checking back on the rest of your study because I find it very interesting. God Bless you brother