What's A Church For?

Read: Ephesians 4:1-16

Where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? --- 1 Corinthians 3:3

The Bible In One Year:
Matthew 23-25

Every time I hear about a church fight, I cringe. When my wife and I went out to eat with a pastor friend, he told us about some of the things that people in his church have squabbled about. Christians have been pitted against Christians over such issues as the color of the carpet, the thermostat setting, and whether the choir should wear robes.

Pastors have been run out of town during these kinds of arguments. Christians have cut off friendships. Churches have split because folks argued about such things.

Why does this happen? People who get caught up in petty squabbles have lost sight of what a church is for. The church is the place we go for worship, for reading the Word, for singing to God's glory, for serving others, and for helping one another to grow. It's supposed to be a place of love, forgiveness, and encouragement.

In Paul's letter to the Ephesian church, he described the unity of purpose [4:1-16] that should help us to work through disagreements without creating divisions. He knew all too well how selfish desires, personal agendas, and playing favorites could create havoc [1 Corinthians 3:1-9].

Let's make sure our churches are safe havens from squabbles by remembering what a church is for. --- Dave Branon

O Lord, help us to turn aside
From words that spring from selfish pride,
For You would have Your children one
In praise and love for Your dear Son. --- D. De Haan

CHRISTIANS AT WAR WITH EACH OTHER CANNOT BE AT PEACE WITH THEIR HEAVENLY FATHER.