The Biggest Problem Facing Many Local Churches

During a time when we are receiving word of great persecutions of Christians in different parts of the world, Americans should be grateful such tribulations are not likely to occur here for some time to come. This does not mean that Satan is idle. While direct attacks are not as apparent in this country are not nearly as visible, Satan is doing his best to destroy local churches. It is certain there is a threat in this country to remove our freedom to publicly recognize sin as being sinful. Even in my short life, I have seen way too many churches attacked and severely damaged by Satan. However, none of them were damaged by threats or persecutions from the outside. Just as Paul warned the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, those who damage and divide congregations often come "from among your own selves" (c.f. Acts 20.29-30). It is certain that damage is done by individuals who start preaching different doctrines than are in the scriptures. However, there is a more pervasive problem that is likely either in every congregation, has been in the past, or will be in the future. The biggest threat facing many local congregations comes from an irreverent disregard of the Master Teacher's words in Matthew 18.

The context of the chapter is about how disciples of Jesus should treat each other. Considering how Christians treat others is: 1) how the world recognizes us as a disciple or not (John 13.35), 2) is the basis on which we are judged (Matthew 25:44-46), and 3) the basis for "pure and undefiled religion (James 1.27), Matthew 18 should be a vitally important chapter to study and to strictly adhere.

Matthew 18.1-4 -- Be Like Children

The chapter begins with the Jesus teaching his disciples to be humble like children. 

Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18.4)

As children are naturally humble, meekness should be an essential quality of every Christian. If all Christians would "clothe [themselves] in humility" (1 Peter 5.5), personal preferences would not nearly be as important and many quarrels would cease (c.f. James 4.1). Paul summarizes this teaching in this way:

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2.3-4)

Matthew 18.5-10 -- Do What You can to Keep Others from Sin

Causing another Christian to sin has serious consequences. Jesus said, "it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18.6). The only reason someone would cause another to stumble is out of selfishness.

Matthew 18:12-16 -- How to Rescue Brethren from Sin

There are two ways in which to fail to obey this command. It can either be ignored completely or the process can be ignored. A major problem facing churches is the lack of love for brethren. In the name of either (a false) peace or laziness, Christians often neglect to warn a brother or sister of the apparent sin in their lives. There are numerous and deadly consequences when you ignore sin in someone else's life. First, the erring brother may not recognize the problem and will continue to drift farther away from God. As all who are acquainted with sin can affirm, the deeper in sin you go, the more difficult it is to get out. When you treat the erring one as if nothing is wrong, you are only further condemning and condoning their practice. The second consequence is the effect the sin will have on the rest of the church and on yourself. Sin is a cancer that spreads. Paul compares it to leaven that spreads to the entire lump of dough (1 Corinthians 5.6-8). Paul continues on in the same chapter by commanding all Christians not to associate with immoral brethren who refuse to get rid of the sin in their lives. If you are constantly allow sin to thrive in the life of your brother or sister, it will spread to infect others in the church. There is a huge problem when Christians are either too lazy, scared, or politically correct to speak to someone they may suspect is living in sin.

The second way this passage is discarded is when Christians ignore the process laid out by the Lord. Jesus is quite clear. If you suspect or know that your brother has a problem in their life, go talk to them about it. Do not go to a friend to confirm your suspicion, do not go to the elders to let them handle it, do not ask your family about their opinion, go to your brother and ask him about it. Most of the problems I have encountered was not really a problem of sin, but a simple misunderstanding. The problem is exasperated when it occurs between Christians who are members of separate congregations. When a member of "congregation A" hears about or witnesses something that they think is sinful in the life of another Christian who is in "Congregation B" and talk to people in "Congregation A" about it, an automatic rift forms between the two congregations. It does not matter if the rumor was true or not. Even if is true, people in "Congregation B" may or may not be aware of the fact, much less tolerating such behavior. Before you think that it would never happen, know that it happened to me.

A Christian visited the church where I was a member and said, "I hear you all have a problem with dancing in this church." She was accusing me and my brother of teaching licentious dancing at a summer camp where we worked. She had not witnessed anything that happened herself but was relying upon the testimony of another. Instead of coming to me privately and inquiring herself, she spoke to other people, including the elders where I attended. I am sure she did not mean to, but she caused a wedge to be placed between Christians, effecting at least two congregations.

Matthew 18:21-35 -- Be Quick to Forgive One Another

Read the passage. It is clearer than anything I can say. I do know that grudges held over a long period of time are what is keeping unity at bay. Refusing to forgive others has as many (and some identical) deadly consequences as refusing to point out sin in the lives of others.

There are few things that are more important to God than how His children treat each other. Jesus said, "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering" (Matthew 5:23-24). If you know that there are people who have something against you, humbly talk to them about it. Do not talk to anyone else, talk to them.

If you hear someone try to warn you about sin in your life, realize how much love and courage it takes for them to approach you. Listen to them and fix what needs fixing. You will need to be humble like a child who needs to listen to and appreciate the discipline given.

Please do not misunderstand me. There is a time and a place to warn your brethren about a false teacher. Many times, you should provide the names of the people involved. In such cases, first make sure your information is correct by either speaking with them or have proof of their false teaching, second encourage the people you are warning to look into the matter themselves. If you misunderstand what the person is saying or your information is incorrect, you have the potential to do great harm to the Kingdom of God. In an effort to keep the church pure, you have the potential to be the tool Satan is looking for to divide Christians.

Jesus prayed "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word;  (21)  that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me" John 17:20-21.  Unity among brethren is so vitally important. However, both Paul and Jesus would know that false teachers and divisions would arise. Matthew 18 gives us clear guidelines of how to handle such situations. It is time we hold each other accountable to following them.