An observation: our present day "church" has much conflict. I'm referring to the state of the church in America, which I am more familiar with than any church that may exist in the rest of the world. I will point out that the church DOES exist in the US, and it doesn't really exist at all in other places of the world, so at least it's there (which is a horrible line to end on, so I'm not going to). I also pre-apologize in advance for any generalities, ignorance, or offensive remarks that come across - this is not meant to be that at all, I just want to see church conflict solved or reduced, so maybe these words can be constructive in doing so.
So I'm going to ask
why? is there conflict, knowing that there could be a million reasons given, and most of them, and a combination of them are valid. The reason I ask is that having talked to 2 good friends in the span of 2 days, they are both closely involved either personally or have a close family member experiencing church conflict. I get a strong sense of frustration, anger, and some hurt from both these friends when they talk about the conflict. I don't blame them. I've experienced similar feelings from the church in the US. I also understand that it's unfair to say "the church" and include everything that goes on throughout the million different denominations that congregate and fellowship together, thus being a church. There are alot of churches who I think ARE getting it right, which is encouraging to the others that are not.
From my understanding of what church is meant to be, the state of the church has alot of things backwards nowadays. I think the church was intended to be a collection of individuals who serve the body. Nowadays I think individuals think the body is there to serve them.
I think a main problem boils down to selfishness and pride, in that order. Individuals are selfish in their desires or opinions and then are prideful in not letting go/reconciling that desire/opinion. People are so strong in their mindset with things! I'm the first one to admit I'm the same way. I think I know how something should be done, or the way something should be in life. Honestly, how ridiculous. Any sense of understanding my place in the universe, and that mentality of me knowing how something should be is dumb. Like big dumb animals. Just plain dumb.
I believe Jesus got everything right while He lived on this earth, without fail. In looking at his example, how did he respond to questions posed to Him where He could reveal His opinion or thought of something? For certain things, of course He presented a firm answer. Black and White. You should do this or not do this according to the Laws of God. Many times, however, he answered a question or said something in a way that left the possibility that He may not be correct with what He was saying. Look into Scripture. Read some of His interactions with His disciples and the people who challenged Him and what He was saying. "Believe it for yourself if you see it fit, otherwise, believe what you know to be true" is the way Jesus often said things. But of course, His words were the correct ones. My point here is the way Jesus delivered His words and opinions.
So that process still goes on today in modern church, and people join in groups because they understand something to be true, and pit themselves against other groups who understand something to be true, but neither one is necessarily True. And then lots of conflict results. In no way do I have a solution to anything, but my suggestion is to be more like Jesus. Alot easier said than done, I know. For individuals to allow themselves to be humble, for individuals to say "maybe I'm not right on that issue" or "maybe I should get together with a someone outside of my group and see what his/her interpretation of Scripture on this issue is...
So I'm asking something very difficult...how do we get people around us to be more humble? I should probably start with me first...
