THE DYSFUNCTIONAL CHURCH

THE DYSFUNCTIONAL CHURCH

Phil. 2:1-2 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.  NLT

      Would anything be different in your church if these verses were to actually be put into practice? If everyone were to strive to wholeheartedly get along and love each other, would changes need to be made? If everyone were to work together as one in heart and purpose, would anything be different?

      We call the Church the family of God, but from what I have seen, I would have to call her a dysfunctional family. There is little real love and kinship amongst church members, both locally and beyond. The Church is more of a divided church than she is one Church. We often look with suspicion upon one another and let our differences in understandings keep us away from each other. We give lip service to our togetherness in Christ. We are quick to criticize and slow to encourage. We get into our own little holy huddles and think that we are justified in doing so. There will be no labels to separate us in heaven, yet we think it is so necessary here on earth.

      Let us take to heart Paul's admonishment. Let us strive to act like we are a healthy family instead of a dysfunctional one. Let us not be quick to shun others just because they may think and express themselves differently than we do. Let us strive to live in harmony with other believers for the sake of Christ. Let us work together wholeheartedly to the glory of Christ. Let us learn the valuable lesson of life; it's all about Jesus and not about us.