The Psalmist said: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalms 133: 1)! We are fortunate here with the congregation meeting at Sunrise Acres in that we do not have any problems to deal with on a regular basis. Our hard work and determination to simply be a people of God’s will is allowing for a great environment when we assemble and work together for the Lord. Not all congregations are able to enjoy this pleasurable atmosphere of unity and peace. Some congregations have murmurers and complainers, walking after their own lusts (cf. Jude 16) to deal with. These are those individuals who always have a problem. To be clear, we are not going to have a negative discussion about those who would take issues with false practices and doctrines. These who would earnestly contend for the faith in the presence of error are doing as the Lord expects (Proverbs 28:4, Philippians 1:17, I Timothy 6:12, II Timothy 4:1-5, and Jude 3-4). We are going to be discussing those who create issues of contention and who want to battle over meaningless matters of pure human logic and opinion. Wrongfully causing division among the Lord’s people, whether doctrinal or otherwise, is condemned throughout God’s word (Proverbs 6:16-19, Amos 3:3, I Corinthians 1:10-13, Romans 14:1-3, and Romans 16:17-18). A unified group of believers is what God expects out of His children (John 17:20-23 and Ephesians 4:1ff.). The local body [church] is to be an atmosphere of peace, where brethren are working together in unity (I Corinthians 12:14-27). It is sad that there are those among believers who simply are not content to be at peace. Furthermore, they are not content in not having all things the way they like it to be. In each work I have ever been a part of, there are things I would like to have personally, seen changes in. However, I realize what I think is not at all significant. Each of us are “wired differently” as far as our personal preferences are concerned. Therefore, they should be kept personal. This simply is not the case in all places and such issues wrongly cause stress and debate among the saints. I am going to spend most of the rest of this article in citing real examples of what we are discussing in our lesson. Here locally, it is important to remember where we are, have been, and look to make sure we never fall into these types of problems. Example one comes from an individual who really thinks hard about the upkeep on the lawn at the building the saints assemble in. This person continues to urge the brethren to spend the Lord’s money, while the others are in opposition to it, to take care of the upkeep of the lawn. This individual continues to push and push as has been the case for many years. This person is not concerned about many of the spiritual works that need done, but yes the lawn is of the upmost importance. The issue has caused severe irritation that this individual simply does not seem to see. It is not that Christians should not keep up the lawn, but with what measure of importance should there be in this matter? The question is, how important is the lawn at the meeting place of the saints? Consider this: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (I Peter 1:24-25). The second point to keep in mind about this lawn situation is simple. Is it a work of the local church to mow the grass and keep up lawns? Of course it is NOT! So, any work this complaining individual wants to see done, that person can do on their time and dime. Here at Sunrise, several of us men care for matters of insignificant maintenance out of our own pockets. We realize that we cannot open God’s checkbook and write checks for things that do not matter one bit! We simply cannot find a command, example, or necessary conclusion to authorize God’s money being spent on insignificant matters (Deuteronomy 12: 32 and Colossians 3:17). We need to be sure we keep it that way. At some point, one begins to wonder if “church owned property” is more of an aid or a hindrance for some people. A second example comes from an individual in a congregation who constantly complains that classes and sermons are too long. Again, I am grateful that we do not have this problem here. However, many places do face this issue. In this particular case, when the preacher goes too long in a sermon a member will raise his arm and begin to tap upon his watch to let the preacher know that it is time to quit. Consider this line of thought for a moment… We have far greater hope under the New Covenant than those of old could have dreamed of (Hebrews 9:11-10:22). We have the only begotten Son of God as our Savior (I John 4:9-10). Yet, without the fullness of what we enjoy in our faith today, those under and imperfect covenant were willing to “endure” (as this individual would state) rather long teaching. Notice: “Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the Lord their God” (Nehemiah 9:1-3). Brethren ought to never have a short time frame in mind when coming to worship God and / or learn more of His will (Mark 8:1-9, Acts 20:7-11, Isaiah 55:1-3, I Peter 2:1-2, Matthew 5:6, and Luke 10:38-42). How shameful it is, that some would put a time limit on the teaching of the truth or their worship to God. Let us never get to this point! Our concerns need to be placed in things that matter. These little bickering sessions some “brethren” like to have when things aren’t the way they like them are stupid. Division will cause congregations to fail (cf. Mark 3:24). We have enough sinful things to fight about. We don’t need dumb complaints added to the mix. |
| Volume VIII ~ Issue XXXVIII ~ June 15th, 2008 |
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
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What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)? Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6). Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16). One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10). There is
more to cover than is here. Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6). Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16). One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10). There is
more to cover than is here. Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
| Edited by: Brian A. Yeager |
| What Dumb Things Can You Complain About? By: Brian A. Yeager |
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| The “It’s Important To Me So I’ll Push It” Attitude |
| Conclusion |