Have you ever tried to use your service or status within the church or organization to make a point? As a long-time church member and knowing several people attending different churches, I’ve heard of this technique being used many different times, and it disturbs me.
For example, I talked with a man who was unhappy with his pastor at one point. The man voiced his concerns but did not feel that leadership was doing enough to change things. As a result, he stopped giving to the church offering and instead put his money into missions only. He was a generous donor and felt that making the church hurt financially would help him get his way.
In another church, a couple did not like that the leadership had admonished them for their behavior and wanted to work with them to grow in their walk. As a result, they pulled back from all the ministries in which they served in order to punish the church. This was not done at the request of the leadership and placed a heavy burden on others in the church.
Pulling back from serving the Lord or refraining to give isn’t proving a point. It is proving your sinfulness. It is pulling back from God; it’s you being the judge and not letting God be the Judge.
I also know of many people who have left a church as a group, not because of a doctrinal issue, but because of a preference issue (music, leadership model, etc.). Many of them voiced that the church would fail with so many leaving. What pride, to think that God’s church would fail because people left–as if God were not in complete control.
I must admit that I’ve been in situations like this, and my first reaction is to strike back. To defend myself. Thankfully, God convicted me of the sinful thoughts and slowed me down to think about my response. I’m thankful for close friends who have been honest with me about the situations, helping me respond in a godly way – changing me. Helping me to see the need to ask for forgiveness. Helping me to grow. Helping me not to demand my own way, but to leave it in God’s hands.
It is very easy for us to respond incorrectly, especially in the world we live in. We are constantly bombarded with the message to defend ourselves or that we have the right to demand what we want. Little by little, this worldly attitude seeps into our thoughts and reactions. However, this is not what God’s Word says. We are subject to authorities. This includes those in authority in government, our churches, and other organizations where we serve.
Romans 13:1-3
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval.”
Titus 3:1
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.”
Authorities do not always make wise decisions. It is not our responsibility to chastise them or punish them. We can voice our thoughts with respect, but then we must leave the results to God.
If authorities are wisely fulfilling their responsibilities and making wise decisions, we need to be submissive and willing to confess and repent in order for us to grow in our faith and to please God.
Before you defend yourself, before you pass judgment, consider what God desires from you.
