This
is a question that I often hear, why are church people so: mean, evil, cruel,
jealous, judgmental, two-faced, backstabbing, etc.? However, I do not feel that
church people are any worse than other people. Why is this?
First,
we have such a high expectation for Christians. And that is logical;
considering the fact that the word “Christian” means to be Christ like or at
least to be a follower of His. And, the Bible actually places a high
expectation upon Christians:
Romans
1:7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace
and peace to you from God our Father and from the LORD Jesus Christ.
1
Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ
Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who
call on the name of our LORD Jesus Christ-their LORD and ours:
Second,
we often let our guard down when we come among believers. After all, aren’t
they the ones that are supposed to pray for us, speak into our lives, encourage
us, preach to us, teach us, etc.? But, herein lies the problem.
We
must realize that church people are just that: PEOPLE. Church people are not
God. We must esteem our brothers and sisters; but we should never place people
on a pedestal. They are bound to let us down. This is why church people may
seem so “evil,” because we do not expect that kind of behavior. And, that
behavior is DEFINITELY WRONG and MUST BE CORRECTED. But, you should never put
the same amount of confidence in people that is only reserved for God. God is
the only one who will NEVER let you down, NEVER fail you and NEVER forsake you.
Revelation
22:9 But he said, "No, don't worship me. I am a servant of God, just like
you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in
this book. Worship only God!"
Even
in church, you should never just completely let your guard down. This is a
recipe for “church hurt.” The Bible always warns us to watch and be cognizant
of our surroundings. If we would be more watchful and less naïve then we would
not so easily get offended and let down by our brothers and sisters.
1
Corinthians 14:29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should
weigh carefully what is said.
1
John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see
whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the
world.
1
Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a
roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Finally,
the biblical writers knew that we would have to have a lot of patience with
each other (as Christians). If another believer has hurt you or let your down,
do not write them off. Do not leave the church because of disappointment. Just
like God gives us grace; we must do the same for other Christians.
Ephesians
4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians
4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in
Christ God forgave you.
Amen.
ReplyDelete