|
 Cultivating
controversy among brethren is not a charge to which anyone is
likely to plead guilty, much less be proved guilty. In fact, I
doubt that any Christian would deliberately set out to promote
unrest and disrupt peace in the Lord's church. However, even the
most charitable spirit must admit that controversies among us
are a reality. True, some of them may be unavoidable, but most
are as unnecessary as they are hurtful.
In
fact, most controversies, like fires, have embarrassingly small
beginnings. But, when fueled by wrong attitudes and actions,
they can soon engulf the entire church.
As
a result, the slightest mistake or oversight can soon mushroom
into big trouble by those who are determined to
make-something-of-it. For instance, a classroom teacher or
student makes an erroneous statement about some subject. In the
discussion that follows hasty and unkind remarks are exchanged.
Someone is publicly embarrassed who could have been corrected in
a spirit of love and meekness. Likely, it will not be long
before the "opposition's" every- word and action will
be suspect. More "proof" of softness or false teaching
will soon be uncovered and extensively advertised. Some will
believe it, sides will be formed and God's people will likely be
divided. And all because some Christian wanted to save face;
wanted to help a brother be wrong instead of right. Those who
are determined to make-something-of-it encourage controversy.
And, because we all make so many mistakes, they are seldom
without something to make-something-of, so the controversy
continues.
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Those
who would "follow after things which make for peace"
(Rom. 14:19) must follow after humility. Few qualities go
further toward promoting and maintaining peace than lowliness of
mind. When we are of the same mind, the same love and of one
accord; when we in lowliness of mind count each other better
than self (as instructed in Phil. 2:2-4), then controversy will
seldom be heard of. Just enough humility to admit some personal
wrong would go far in reconciling brethren; but failure to do so
can only encourage more controversy.
Like
humility, longsuffering is also essential in following after
peace. Many find it hard to bear with the ignorance and faults
of immature Christians. Others are short suffering with the
mannerisms, personalities am distasteful qualities they see in
some brethren. Longsuffering issues from love (1 Cor. 15:4); we
forbear one another in love (Eph. 4:1). We therefore suffer long
with all brethren, not because of what they ARE (loveable), but
because of what we HAVE (love). Where there is no longsuffering
there can be no lasting peace.
Finally,
even when controversy is unavoidable (as in matters of faith),
its hurtful effects can be lessened with Christ-like behavior.
To act otherwise is not only sinful, it can alienate and
embitter brethren so as to make further teaching impossible.
Being on the side of truth must never be construed as license to
mistreat others. On the contrary, the very truth we seek to
defend demands conduct befitting peacemakers and peacekeepers.
Let's live it! Dan Shipley
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