Sunday, February 21, 2010

Seek God's Direction In All Disputes

"Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, 'Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.'" -- Luke 11:17

One of the saddest things to see is a church split into factions because of disagreements between its members. What's even sadder is that generally the split doesn't come from biblical interpretation. It comes from things that, if the members were willing to compromise, would keep the church body intact.

A neighborhood church was threatened by such a split. The church desperately needed a new education building. When the new sanctuary was built, the old church building had been converted into classrooms and a nursery. It had three levels.

As time passed, the problem with that conversion became apparent to anyone who regularly used the building. First, all but three classrooms required a trip either up or down the stairs. Second, the basement level had mold that returned again and again. Third, the upper level had dangerous shafts and "glass" walls that were dangerous to children. Something needed to be done.

Some members were aghast. The old church building was part of history. There was no way they would allow anyone to tear it down or in any way replace it. They immediately threw out their ultimatum -- threatening to leave if such a thing should happen. I remember asking one woman when was the last time she had visited the basement in that building. She couldn't remember. I suggested that before she threaten what she would do if anything happened to that basement that she go visit it. I figured even someone with blinders on could at least smell the mold and feel the dampness. She did and her displeasure immediately changed to understanding.

Isn't that often what happens? We're so focused on what we see that we can't step back and look at the situation from the other side. Sometimes a compromise is the best way. Other times the best way isn't what we would have chosen. It's at times of disagreement that we are most in need of prayer. God sees all points of view and He alone knows the best path. Listen to Him.