United but Separate

               So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

                                                                                                       Romans 14:19

                      The church is so bent on getting a certain look or feel to the church (building). Then there are others who want to focus more on Bible studies and don't care about the decorations and fancy things. Then There's the case of music. Some want it to be soft and sweet, others want it loud and moving...the list goes on and on. 

                      As a church Body we stand together yet we want our own way.

                                        What does it take?!

         Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 

                                                                                   Philippians 2:2

               What happened? Reading in the New Testaments the church was unified. The men and women worked together. Shared their homes. Food, clothing. They stood out of the way to help a fellow brother or sister in Christ. Now, well; now we fight over such menial things.  

             My Bible study teacher told me one time when he went to Jerusalem he visited a Jewish church. The strange thing was there was a large wooden ladder leaning against the roof. He asked what was the reason for it. The people took great pride in the old ladder. The Jewish man told my teacher that the ladder has been there for decades.  I can't remember what the argument was about but the point was that no one resolved the issue and the ladder never came down. It was like a sign of their stubbornness.

              Here are a couple key problems on why we have a hard time being united. 

     1. We should not use the word my. My church, my pastor. It's almost like saying you own them. There're yours and no one else can have them. Instead you could say; "the church I go to is so challenging." "Pastor so and so taught a great sermon today." "The music team is really good, you should hear it some time." You take yourself out of the equation and see everyone as people and not belongings. 

    2. The interior decorations. If they bother you ask yourself why? Are they to distracting? Do they glorify God? Is it to Hollywood? Bring it to The Lord and tell Him why they bother you. Leave it at His feet. Now don't gossip about it. But, if God is putting it on your heart to address it to the pastor. Then do it. But don't bad mouth it to everyone on your way to his office.

  3. The sermon. If what the pastor is teaching is not Biblically sound don't slander the pastor. Don't yell at the pastor and tell him he's horrible. Talk to God about it. Again, lay it at His feet and wait for God's answer on what you should do. Keep the whole situation between you and the pastor. (But sometimes it can be good to talk and pray with a trusted friend)

4. The music. If there's something that bothers you about the type of music the worship team is playing, talk to God about why it bothers you specifically. Always keep in mind that  God could have laid it on the worship leaders heart to play the music the way he/she does it. And the certain songs too. And even if it's a case of whether the leader or person on the team isn't musically trained from school, that should not be a problem. If they have a heart to praise The Lord and lead others in praise then, let them be. 

 

5. Clothing. There can be cases (especially during summer) when women and young ladies can wear clothing that is not deemed appropriate. If their cleavage is there for everyone to see or there's way to much skin; don't rush into giving them a lecture of modesty. Now, modesty comes from the heart. Either, the girl is ignorant and has no clue she's being immodest or she knows full well and doesn't care. Welcome her to church if she's new. Don't say anything about her clothing. If she's been going to church and you know her really well then you can bring up that topic ( with patients and grace). Just remember, if the woman is coming to church and want's to know more about who God is then don't be her stumbling block. The biggest thing is to pray for her and if she comes to Christ then God will work on her heart in that area. 

             What sums this all up is love. We must forgive each other. Bear with one another, lift one another up. Be patient with one another. Now, this is not about works. Jesus died for us. His grace is abounding. Because of such grace we have the freedom to love Him and we can love our brothers and sisters in return.