Mar 5 - DAY 21 - Protecting Your Church

Day 21

Protecting Your Church

Don’t think only of your own good.

Think of other Christians

and what is best for them.

1 Corinthians 10:24 NLT

I was talking with a man at church a few days ago. His job has changed. Huge long commutes. He hadn’t been at any of his normal church activities during the week. He said, “I’ve decided that even if I’m tired, I have to come …”

I was listening, caring, not commenting yet.

“… because,” he said, “I’ve watched too many people over the years quit coming to one thing. Then quit coming to another thing. Then quit coming quite as regularly to anything. And before you know it,” said this friend, “they are gone.”

Gone. And from a pastor’s perspective, they often go blaming the church. “Something’s changed with the church,” they say. No. What’s changed is them. Their participation has lessened … which means their connection with people has lessened … which means they’re feeling distant.

And here’s the worst part … They often complain to others about it.

Rick Warren tells us – as the focus for Day 21 – that “it is your job to protect the unity of the church.”

He offers several pieces of practical advice:

•      Focus on what we have in common, not our differences – “We must remember that it was God who chose to give us different personalities, backgrounds, races, and preferences …”
•      Be realistic in your expectations – “Other believers will disappoint you … [but] they are your family, even when they don’t act like it.”
•      Choose to encourage rather than criticize – Rather than “stand[ing] on the sidelines and tak[ing] shots at those who are serving … get involved and make a contribution.”
•      Refuse to listen to gossip – “It is sad that in God’s flock, the greatest wounds usually come from other sheep, not wolves.”
•      Practice God’s method for conflict resolution – “It is tempting to complain to a third party rather than courageously speak the truth in love to the person you’re upset with.”
•      Support your pastor and leaders – Pastors are “given the impossible task of trying to make everyone happy, which even Jesus could not do.”

Based on my conversation with my friend, I’d add one more. Tiredness is a symptom of a world out-of-balance. Satan uses this to pull us away from fellowship. And this – instead of nurturing fellowship and harmony – fosters frustration and then division.

If you’ve received life in the past from congregational activities, keep at them until you receive refreshment again from these dependable sources of living water.

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who can’t make

everyone happy, so he tries

to make God pleased