Almost every day, it seems, I have an encounter with someone which serves as a spark for a spiritual devotion. Recently, I was talking to someone about how a particular church had treated friends of theirs. I have had many similar conversations in the past with other people in other states and places. In fact I wrote about this very subject 3 years ago. Come to think of it – a great part of the Apostle Paul’s writings have to do with imperfections in the practices of local churches.
The local church is supposed to be a haven of grace, mercy and peace. A place where Christians gather together. A place where you can be vulnerable and find compassion and encouragement. I believe that was certainly the Lord’s intent. The local church and its members are to corporately and individually be a reflection of Jesus and not the carnal culture from which it was saved. So what at the root of the problem – like Charlton Heston cried out in Soylent Green “It’s people!”
The local church can only function as it was intended when the people in the local church are first, born again Christians by the Spirit and second are being led by the Spirit. When you are confronted with this problem there are, at least, 4 things to consider.
First. Not all the people who attend a local church are Christians. You can’t know them by looking at them. Or perhaps even talking with them. They may be faithful attenders. Even tithers. They may be involved on Sunday school or small groups. Keith Green, a Christian singer, said being in a church building doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in McDonalds makes you a hamburger. The church building is not what makes the Church the Church. Faith in Jesus and obedience to the will of God does that.
So, if you approach someone at church and expect them to be or do as a Christian is and does, when they are not a Christian, you will be disappointed .. and most likely disillusioned. It is like when I go to Home Depot and ask someone with an orange Home Depot vest on a question about a tool or product in the store. They don’t have a clue, but they do have a vest! And yes, I am disillusioned with Home Depot. And I have adjusted my expectation accordingly.
Second. Not every Christian attending the church is walking in obedience by faith. There are many Christians, always have been, that are not growing in their faith. They are so immersed in the world and the things of the world, they are indistinguishable from the those that are lost and headed for hell. Expecting spiritual help from them is like one teenager telling another teenager “I will be there for you.” What does that mean? One drowning person telling another drowning person, “I will be there for you.” I watch you drown as you watch me drown as we encourage one another. If a Christian is living a carnal life, they have nothing Spiritual to offer you. Don’t be surprised when you ask for a fish and they give you a stone. It is the best they have to offer.
Years ago, during a men’s prayer meeting I was leading, I encouraged them men to be open about their lives and pray for one another – a Biblical mandate.
“Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results.” – James 5:16
One of the men said “No way! If I do that I will hear what I said from somebody that is not in this room!” And sadly, that may not have been too far from the truth. Not everyone in the room was a Christian walking in obedience to the Spirit.
Third. There is always the possibility that you are the problem. I know that is a stretch. But if you are dealing with the consequence of your sin and you have not repented, then you are part of the problem. Jesus said (Matthew 7:3-5) "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” Often times we are not looking for spiritual solutions but merely relief. When we don’t get it, we blame others – even the local church.
Fourth. It is the duty of the local church to exercise discipline – starting with the Church leadership and, that failing, then moving on to the church body. That does not happen much anymore – at least in my experience over the past 45 years.
The bottom line. Often we look to the church for solutions when we think we are looking to the Church. Do you see the distinction? Knowing the difference requires spiritual discernment on our part. Very often church members take sides – that is called division. My advice is to look for the fruit.
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” – Galatians 5:19-23
Examine the fruit – is it carnal or spiritual? That will tell you what you are dealing with, just make certain your own heart is right before God when you do. You are not judging the actions of others – you are just acting as a fruit inspector. Your conclusions, if its carnality at work may require you to consider your own circumstances.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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