Why Can't We Just Get Along?

I have actually ruminated about this in earlier posts. Actually given who we are as people, the very thought is pretty naive. I know that it is just not other people, I also have a hard time when I feel that others are wrong. Why am I writing this today? One of my brothers is really hurting. He is a neighboring pastor. He has given around 20 years to the church which he serves. Now the church is turning on him. At least that is how he feels ( I confess that I agree with him -- but there are other points of view). Why does this happen? The church is Christ's body. We all serve a function. And, as Rick Warren states in "The Purpose Driven Life", it isn't about us. It is about Jesus.



My friend is admittedly coming to the end of his career, but there are several years left. Certainly the church has not always been mean. They have paid him well and supported he and his family during some difficult times. The problem is that some of the leaders feel it is time for a change. Maybe they are right. What then is the problem? Too many people can't deal with problems without getting personal and somewhat vicious. I know that this happens in the church, not because people don't care, but because they care a lot.



What is the answer? Those of us who are church leaders must help our people to learn how to deal with conflict in loving and positive ways. We also must learn to deal with the people in the same way. There are going to be differences. Pastors do need to leave. Churches do need to change directions. But we must never leave battered and bruised people in our wake.



I just learned about some people that are still hurting, their faith is stunted, their church life is lacking because of something that happened in my previous church in 1965. How sad. At this stage it doesn't make much difference what the issues were. We just need to admit that things weren't handled right.



When the Holy Spirit is operative in the church, the signs are love, mutual respect, peace and the presence of God. When we operate in our own strength, we find anger, disrespect and discord. I pray for my brother. I hate to see him hurting. I also pray for "his" church. It is a good church filled with good people -- but they aren't operating in the Spirit. May God send his Spirit and renew His church.