The Faction Effect

One result of the current divided state of the Christian church is that it can distort our spiritual lives. Sometimes it leads to complacency. We can believe that because we are part of a particular group, it automatically puts us in God's good graces. But we can also feel that because we are part of the right group, we need to show it by being obviously more spiritual than those ordinary Christians out there. We adopt certain rules or procedures to make ourselves holier, not just than the world, but also than other Christians. (We might question whether they really are Christians.) This used to be confined to different denominations. But while the denominational divisions have not gone away, there have grown up a plethora of other factions that people can attach themselves to. These involve philosophies or methodologies that people adopt for themselves which often transcend denominational lines. And again, we can feel that by being part of a certain group, however that group is defined, we are better Christians than those other Christians out there and we are obligated to prove it.

Now we must remember that we are saved by the grace of God (Romans 4:4,5; Ephesians 2:8,9; Philippians 3:9) and stand before God based on that grace (Romans 5:1,2; 8:31-34; Hebrews 4:14-16). And one of the results of this grace is to transform our lives so we become the people God wants us to be (2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:11-14) and carry out God's work in the world (Colossians 1:28,29; 2 Corinthians 3:5,6; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7). But this is a process that takes place over time as God works in our lives (Philippians 3:12-16; 1 Timothy 4:7,8; Hebrews 5:11-14). Therefore, while we should encourage others to grow in Christ (Hebrews 10:24,25; 12:12,13; Ephesians 4:11-16), we need to avoid sitting in judgment on them (1 Corinthians 4:3-5; Romans 14:4; James 4:11,12. Now I am convinced we do need to correct clearcut sin or doctrinal error (Galatians 6:1; 2 Timothy 2:23-26; Matthew 18:15-20). But I am talking about the feeling that people are not fervent enough or are not doing enough or have not kept our list of dubious rules. Also, we are to admonish Christians to test themselves whether they are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5; Matthew 7:21-23; 13:36-43). But while there are cases where we are forced conclude someone was never a real believer (1 John 2:19), we are not encouraged to hunt such people out (Matthew 13:29,30). And we should remember that Lot and Samson, for all their deficiencies, are identified as genuine believers (2 Peter 2:7,8; Hebrews 11:32). But the bottom line is: I question that, of those who have the basic gospel message correct (1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Romans 1:16,17; Galatians 2:15-21), there is a faction that can claim blanket spiritual superiority over the others. Rather, the very existence of such divisions is scripturally dubious (1 Corinthians 3:1-4; Philippians 2:1-4; Ephesians 4:1-6).

The God of the Ivory Tower

Some people see God as someone who sits up in an ivory tower somewhere, totally detached from us and what we are going through. Someone who looks down and sort of shakes His head at all the foolish things we do and occasionally offers sage advice about how we should live. This is not the God of Christianity. Rather, the Bible says that God came down and became a human being and suffered the things we suffer so that He might rescue us and make us His children if we put our faith in Him (Hebrews 2:9-18; John 1:1-18; Philippians 2:5-11). Further, He promises to be with us and to sympathize with us in our trials and ultimately to bring us home to be with Him forever (Hebrews 4:14-16; John 14:16-21; Revelation 21:4). This does not speak directly to the problem of evil as an intellectual issue. But on the emotional level it makes a huge difference that God is not pontificating somewhere off in heaven, but came down into our world to deliver us from the problems we are in. 

Reaching Out to Those in Need

Scripture makes it clear there is a requirement to help those in need, and it uses strong language to encourage this (James 2:14-16; Matthew 25:31-46; Proverbs 14:31). Now there are many fine Christian organizations that have worked to carry out this mandate, both in this country and around the world. But I have also noticed a definite tendency to minimize or marginalize what is commanded here. Now part of this is undoubtedly simply love of money (1 Timothy 6:3-10; Matthew 6:19-24; Colossians 3:5) or simply lack of faith (Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:10-19; Proverbs 3:5,6). These are perennial parts of the human condition, and I admit to struggling with them regularly. But there are other factors in our culture that can militate against our taking these commandments with the seriousness required of them.

One problem is the issue of the work ethic. Now the Scripture does prescribe a work ethic (2 Thessalonians 3:6-10; Ephesians 4:28; Proverbs 6:6-11). It says we should be willing to work for a living in a diligent manner. But this should not be confused with the capitalist ethic that says that if you work hard you will necessarily get ahead and if you are poor you must be lazy. Certainly this is not found in Scripture. Now there are those who are poor as a result of their own bad choices. But even then God calls us to be gracious to sinful people, just as God has been gracious to us (James 2:13; Luke 6:38; Galatians 6:10). There is here a fear of being taken advantage of. I do not believe that Scripture requires us to be credulous (2 Thessalonians 3:10, Proverbs 22:7; 6:1-5). But am I convinced it is better to be taken advantage of than ignore a real need (1 Corinthians 13:7; 6:7,8; Matthew 5:38-42).

Another problem is government involvement. It is thought that the government will take care of the poor. But I see no place in Scripture where it says we can just leave this to the government. I am convinced there is something special about individuals personally reaching out to those in need rather than trusting  people to a mechanical bureaucracy. Now there are also those who oppose helping the poor because in the long run it will build up government power, which would be damaging to our liberties. But if we do not want government gaining power by helping the poor, the logical thing to do is to bend every effort to help them ourselves so they do not have to depend on the government. Even if we cannot compete with the government in this area, the fact they are not the only source of help makes a difference in how much power the government can expect to exercise based on this. But we need to get past our prejudices and excuses to do what God has commanded.

A Touch of Humor - The Meeting

Is there a way to make meetings less painful? What things can be done to help?

Old Erich Proverb - Grace

If grace is greater than your sin, should it not be greater than your neighbor's?

A Voice from the Past - Lewis

Any moralist will tell you that the personal triumph of an athlete or of a girl at a ball is transitory: the point is to remember that an empire or a civilization is also transitory.  All achievements and triumphs, in so far as they are merely this-worldly achievements and triumphs, will come to nothing in the end.

C. S. Lewis, 1898-1963, The World's Last Night, The World's Last Night and Other Essays (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Inc., 1960, p. 110) 

How should this affect our perspective on life? How should we live as a result of it?

Equipping the Saints

A key controversy in the church today is revolves around a comma. The comma is after the word "saints" in Ephesians 4:12. It asks whether it is the job of a leader to do the work of the ministry or to equip the whole congregation to do the work of the ministry. In the nearly 40 years that I have been involved in the Christian church, the most openly advocated position has been that all Christians are ministers. But for all the push, this view never seems to gain general acceptance. Why this is so?

Scripture pictures the church as a body, with every member having an important function (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Peter 4:10,11). Therefore, every Christian has a job to do. But this also implies that every Christian has a different function and is not simply to be pushed into the same mold. But it is common to see only one methodology for doing ministry and to try to force everyone into it. Now there is no gift of evangelism listed, and I am convinced that all Christians should be involved in evangelism, but they should be involved in a way that reflects their gift. Again, there is a tendency to expect everyone to use a particular method.

I am convinced that Christ is at work within His church to accomplish His purposes (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:6,7; Colossians 2:19). I believe that God's purposes are not so easily thwarted that questions of organization prevent them from being accomplished. I am convinced there is much ministry that takes place informally and flies under the radar. Also, those whose gifts are best exercised in a position of leadership tend to seek such positions. But we are imperfect people (Philippians 3:12-16; Romans 7:14-25; Galatians 5:17) in an imperfect world (Romans 8:19-23; John 16:33; Acts 14:22). Therefore, it is not surprising that the church organization does not perfectly reflect the actual body of Christ. There are undoubtedly people in certain positions who should not be and people who are not in positions that they should be in. There are people who are not involved who should be and people who are doing things they are not qualified for. And though we should work to correct things wherever possible, we also need to trust God to accomplish His purposes despite them (Psalms 127:1,2; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 2:10). And we need to avoid unrealistic expectations of a perfect church. Now I do think there is too much tendency to put the good of the organization above the good of the people and to see the clergy as mediators who we go through to get to God (1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 4:14-16; Acts 4:12). But I am convinced that the main thing we need is a real desire to grow in Christ. If we have that, the organization will not stop us, and if we do not, it will not help us (Romans 12:1,2; Colossians 2:6,7; Titus 2:11-14).