Written 4/15/19
This entry is nothing more than me venting. I am tired of dealing with drama. I am tired of Christians who can't work out their differences Biblically, and resorting to bottling in their hatred and anger to the point it causes shrapnel to hit others they know. I am tired of picking that shrapnel out of my and my wife's life. I'm tired of others being jealous of others position, material blessings, or everything else they can be jealous of. My heart has been and will continue to be one to help wherever God wants me to help, and to serve wherever He wants me to serve. I share my frustrations today as a way to help me to deal with the inner turmoil I have been dealing with, and the anxiety that comes with it.
The Bible is clear that we are to work out our differences with one another. Matthew 18 offers insight into this Verses 15-17 say:
15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
As believers, we are called to go to the one that sinned against us and talk to them directly. Even if it hurts, or is humbling (due to our sins coming out as most of the time it isn't just one sinning), one side needs to be mature enough to go talk to the other. If they are not recieved, bring a mediator with you. If this does not work, then take it to the church in hopes of reconciliation. If this does not work, cast them out until they repent. Casting someone from church is not done lightly, but it does need to be done from time to time. The problem with this is that with millions of churches in the US, they can just start attending and affecting another with their sin, causing more shrapnel.
Shrapnel hurts. Ask anyone who has been hit by as lying piece of debris they will tell you that it hurts. Spiritual shrapnel hurts i think worse, especially when it is caused by a professing believer. One should feel "safe" that they will not be bombarded with shrapnel from a fellow brother or sister in Christ. That is why that shrapnel hurts the most. It is from an unexpected source. When you are friends with someone, you don't expect them to be the ones to cause intense division and hurt, to the point you no longer want to serve where God wants you serving.
My (now former) pastor has said to me many times "ministry would be great if we did not have to deal with people". That is one of the truest statements I have ever heard. Ministry is hard, but having to deal with people who claim to be Christians, but don't walk the walk gets weary some. I understand not everyone is at the same plane spiritually, and we all are "supposed" to be growing closer to Christ, when you have people who have been Christians for years continually going for the spiritual sippy cup, you smack your forehead and ask yourself why don't they get it. Why don't they understand that at this point in their walk they need re-taught the basics of Christianity?
This why is because most churches do not teach the Bible. They tach a feel good, cotton candy RAH RAH RAH cheerleader sermon that does not mold and shape someone to walk with the Lord. I am not saying all churches but mine are evil, but if the Bible is not opened, or taught from the pulpit I would recommend finding one that teaches the Bible.
Back to my origianl GRRR. Christians, if you call yourself one, then grow up and deal with your problems. Stop allowing your friends to deal with the shrapnel spewed by your hatred and anger over petty, trivial matters. If it is a major issue, agree to disagree, and walk away knowing you won't be best friends, but at leas understand where the other is coming from.
Let us all work on growing towards the Lord, instead of bickering with one another.
In Christ,
-Kevin
