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 Few
things hinder the progress of local churches more than internal
strife — and seemingly few have been spared the taste of its
bitter fruits. Somewhere, even now, dissension grows and
division threatens where unity and peace once prevailed. Likely,
the very existence of some small and struggling group is being
jeopardized by some internal and non-doctrinal conflict. Chances
are that both sides believe themselves to be right and feel they
have been mistreated by some on the other side. Harsh and
hurtful words have probably been spoken by several. Resentment
and bitterness are worsened with encouragement from prejudiced
allies backing both sides. Longsuffering and love are only
thought of as deficiencies in others. Some may even attribute
their heathen-like conduct to expressions of convictions or
love. Most doubt that reconciliation is possible; others may not
even want it — at least, not without a little groveling and
log-licking by the other side. About the only thing they hold in
agreement is the revealing and incriminating statement often
heard: “THEY’LL answer for it in judgment!”
Meanwhile,
worship is difficult. Most energies are being expended on “biting
and devouring”. Satan smiles. His prospects for reclaiming
servants is good. The discouraged quitter will be his. The
unforgiving and impenitent are in his camp. Such chaos precludes
effective work. The fields “white unto harvest” must wait
— while laborers fight among themselves. Many wonder: “Is
there no solution?” — ”Is it possible to have the kind of
unity Christ prayed for in Jn. 17:21?”
Certainly
peace is possible! What Christ
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prayed for is attainable by his followers, IF
EARNESTLY DESIRED AND HUMBLY SOUGHT. Only the desire and
humility must be contemplated and sought in the most personal
terms. Do I really want this discord ended to God’s
satisfaction? Could I possibly be wrong? Could I have said or
done some wrong or left the wrong impression? (They are not the
only ones who will be judged!)
Peace
will be possible when I am humble enough to count others better
than myself (Phil. 2:3). Equality and oneness in Christ involves
a relationship in which all are looked up to and no one is
looked down upon. “Yea, all of you gird yourselves with
humility, to serve one another...“ (1 Pet. 5:5). Surely those
who can love enemies can esteem brethren — and when we do it’ll
be hard to fuss. Such humility also involves “not looking each
of you to his own things, but each of you to the things of
others” (Phil. 3:4). Most strife is either motivated or
perpetuated by selfishness and pride (contrary to Paul’s
admonition, “doing nothing through faction or through vain
glory”). When my concern can be turned to the things of others
(their interests, needs, feelings and problems) — even when I
believe them to be wrong — then I am more likely to help than
hinder, both them and me.
Essentially,
this is Christ-mindedness. “Have this mind in you, which was
also in Christ Jesus.. .“ (Phil. 2:5). When we want what He
wants and when we seek it with His humility, then we can have
the unity he prayed for. Believe
it! Dan S. Shipley
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