Tension and conflict in the Body should not be ignored, but neither should they be allowed to cause catastrophic division within the Church. The most important thing is that Christ is proclaimed!
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Scripture
Philippians 1:15-18
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
Observation
What amazing humility Paul shows here! Not every church leader like him, or supported him. Some were even leading in ways intended to cause further affliction to Paul! Paul doesn’t go into detail about what exactly this looked like, but he was up-front and honest about the mistreatment he was enduring. Yet in all of this Paul continues to rejoice that the gospel is being preached, and lives are being transformed.
Application
Conflict and discord within the body of Christ is inevitable. It’s doesn’t make God happy, but it’s simply the reality of interacting with imperfect humans. At times, I may have to clearly recognize and acknowledge the ungodly and carnal actions of those around me in the church. I shouldn’t just ignore these things, but neither does it have to lead to insurmountable chasms and fractures in the Body of Christ! The truth is that I am also imperfect, and God daily shows His grace and patience in dealing with me. If He is willing to be patient with me, then I have no right to lash out at those around me who are also imperfect. If my feelings are hurt, or someone else has a problem with me…I can still rejoice that God is moving in their life, and trust that He will receive the glory in the end.
Tension and conflict in the Body should not be ignored, but neither should they be allowed to cause catastrophic division within the Church. The most important thing is that Christ is proclaimed!
Prayer
God, thank you for your patience with me! Help me to be patient with others, even when I’d rather let my feelings be hurt and wallow in a pity party. Teach me to be humble, and to keep my eyes on the objective–that YOUR name would be proclaimed, so that the world would come to know the savior!
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