28/10/2024
CHURCH POLITIC: A Cankerworm That Destroys The Vine.
What an oxymoronic expression and phenomenon!
Politic - characterized by shrewdness in managing, contriving, or dealing. Shrewdly tactful. (According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary).
Church - is the gathering of brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. The union of God's family redeemed by the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. The coming together of people who exhibit the image (nature, behaviour) of Christ.
It is rather unfortunate that politics has penetrated various units and departments of the church. Among the Members, Workers and Ministers alike.
Actually, it isn't a new phenomenon. In Matthew 20 from verse 20, one could see it at play when the mother of James and John Zebedee came to Jesus to request that her sons are given POSITION and POWER.
Likewise in the Corinthians church, there were factions of two great personalities, one faction supporting Paul and the other , Apollo.
The aims of being political are numerous, but all can be rooted to SELFISHNESS. Selfishness isn't a thing found in Christ, but rather Self-crucifixion.
People are being political for fame, power, position, wealth, favour and lots more.
But it is so pathetic and disheartening that such could be found among those who are called to LOVE, to be Holy and Pure.
Christians setting traps for one another, just to destroy another and get his or her position.
Envy, hatred and bitterness among ushers, choirs and such.
Position seeking, fame and power have been the reasons for the tussles among men of God.
Members and all are trying their best just to please their General Overseer by crook and any means, just to be his or her favourite not, considering God's pleasure.
Division and faction in various denominations and among them. Each chanting "Ours is the best and final".
Now unbelievers are confused if Jesus is truly the saviour or not. And for the fear of being a victim of this church saga, soul winning is on the decline. Evangelism is no longer potent due to church politics.
The Pulpits are cold, because they have been sold to the highest bidders and favourites.
If nothing is done to destroy this cankerworm, I wonder what would be left of the church for Christ's coming.
Jesus immediately condemns the act and request of Mrs Zebedee, it almost causes division. Ministers and Members alike must not condone such.
Apostle Paul instead of making use of the political advantage in the Corinthians church for personal gain rather spoke against and rebuked it.
For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone who is among you, ONE SHOULD NOT THINK OF HIMSELF MORE HIGHLY THAN HE OUGHT TO THINK, BUT SHOULD THINK SOBERLY, according to the measure of faith God has distributed to each one.
Romans 12:3
The emphasis in the verse above should be the thought and mind of each of us.
And we should further reinforce it with prayer the same way our Lord did in John 17,
And now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given me, SO THAT THEY MAY BE ONE, as we are.
In conclusion, check your motive and ambitions. Once you have a personal and selfish aim among brethren, you are a cankerworm destroying the vine.
In all you think and do, let it be to the GLORY OF GOD, in doing His Will and for His pleasure only.
PS: THIS IS NOT IN ANYWAY RULING OUT ORGANISATION, ORDERLINESS IN THE CHURCH, AND RESPECT FOR LEADERS.