“…and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves“
Be at peace among yourselves
If a congregation respects and loves its leaders, its members will have “peace among” themselves. Dissension in local churches primarily revolves around disrespect and lack of love for leaders. Churches that respect their leaders are generally free from friction.
Peace in the church depends on our perspective of our leader’s office. Peace permits Christians to get along with each other, to co-operate with one another.
“Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another” (Mark 9:50).
Principle:
Disagreements, quarrels, and enmities in the church root themselves in disrespect and lack of love for leaders.
Application:
Are you carrying on a running feud with leaders in your church? Life is too short for that. This will tear your spiritual heart out. Do you avoid your pastor or some other leader? This will cast a pall on your church and inhibit the cause of Christ from moving forward.
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).
”Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:19).
A church not on speaking terms with its leadership will not have answered prayer, win people to Christ, or build believers in the faith. These are the bald facts of a church in disarray. Bury the hatchet but not in your brother’s back!
A critical, contemptuous, and contentious attitude toward church leaders creates discord and disharmony. Peace within a congregation depends on respect for leadership. Each of us lists our leaders in some pecking order. We have an estimation of their leadership capacities in our minds. We know whether they have an adequate vision, strategy, and goals or not. We know whether they will keep their word and follow through with their plans. Whatever our perspective on their ability, we give them respect for their office.
If you do not have confidence in your pastor, find a pastor that you can trust. Why undermine a ministry by criticizing its leadership? Get into a ministry where you can give your entire support. Consider giving your full support to your pastor, staff, board, and leaders of your church. It is God’s will. A united church has the greatest opportunity to move forward for the cause of Christ.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
