Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 358

December 23;   Romans 16:17;   133/260(II);   ‘Those to Avoid’

Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

The ‘bottom line’ of Christianity is love.  Because the ministry is people, all kinds of people, there are all kinds of opportunities for divisions and offenses.  Everyone has an opinion about how things should be done.  If the love of God is ignored, strife very often manifests. The Bible teaches that things are to be done decently and in order (I Corinthians 14:40).  Here are a few biblical thoughts to minimize these challenges.  Never give someone you do not know spiritually a position of authority.  Often smaller churches, needing help, put new visitors into ministry positions without knowing a thing about them.  Someone could have natural ability and be very difficult to deal with.  By getting to know them as they show themselves faithful in church, the chances of avoiding confrontations with divisive people is avoided.  Some want to change what a church does.  Again, get to know them.  If they have a good attitude, they can courteously give their suggestions on possible changes in a ministry.  Their reaction if the change is rejected is a real good indicator of the character of the person.  Those in authority have the responsibility to clearly explain why things are done the way they are and that the input of the person is appreciated.  Later, as the person is faithful and walks in love, some of the suggestions they make can be implemented.  Those in authority are not perfect.  This is why walking in love is the only way the church can identify and avoid those who do not walk in love and cause strife.  The damage contentious people cause hurts a church.  Praying leadership minimizes problem people.