Snide Comments in the Church

All the believers were one in heart and mind.  Acts 4:32

I have just finished reading a book called “Fresh Power” by Jim Cymbala and Dean Merrill.  There is a chapter entitled “A House United” that focuses on unity in the body of Christ.  It has reminded me how serious a matter disunity in the church is in hindering the Word of God. 

The authors make some observations and warn how animosity between church members, including elders and Pastors, elders and elders, or elders and deacons, as well as among the membership in general, can hold back the Word of God from effectively changing hearts.  Disunity or division in the church may also give unbelievers a distorted view of the body of Christ. 

Why would God bless a plan for ministry in a congregation where the elders sit around a conference table and agree at their monthly meeting but they go home or come to Church on Sunday making snide remarks about one another?  What real ministry can come from music ministers who practice songs together for a service one minute and malign the Pastor the next? 

Mr. Cymbala points out that these broken relationships are far too common among God’s people and often they fester for years.  The Bible is clear in Matthew 18 that if we have something against someone we are to go to him or her – not allowing it to fester or infect others!  Often these grudges are held, a root of bitterness grows, and people are not even aware that their disrespect is obvious to others in their comments.  We need to go to them to protect God’s people, His church, and the effectiveness of the work He has called us to do. 

The book asks two crucial questions, “What good are the gifts of the Holy Spirit if people continue hassling each other?” and “What is the benefit of great preaching if the listeners snub one another on the way out the door?”  I would add to that, “Why would God answer the prayers of those who pray together at prayer meeting but make snide comments about each other when one leaves the room?” 

Jesus gave us a command pointing to how important unity in the body is to Him (and for us).  In John 13:14 He commanded, “A new command I give you, Love one another.  As I have loved you so you must love one another.” (Emphasis mine) we can only obey this command with the power given to us by God through His Holy Spirit. 

My personal experience is that we don’t even hear disunity or the promotion of division in the church when it comes out of our own mouths. Do we speak critical words about our Pastors somewhat publicly? Do we object or disagree with a plan for ministry – but only to others and not to the one who could make a change? Are we involved in gossip about others in our congregations? Are we building others up, bearing their burdens, and caring for them or do we find pleasure in the pride of tearing them down with snide remarks, ususally thinking that they are funny? 

Whether the problem exists between the Pastor and elders, worship team members or a group who prays together doesn’t matter. Jesus’ command to love one another knows no heirarchy. All of us are commanded to show this love and respect for others –especially in the church and especially to good leaders (1 Timothy 5:17).  In doing so we demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit and work toward the growth of God’s kingdom. When we fail to do so we pridefully act as though we – not God – are the kings of our own kingdoms. 

Snide commenting about others in God’s kingdom is sinful behavior that chases away the unbeliever. When we love one another in the church those outside the church see how God loves us. “All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” John 13:35 

Who in our own congregations needs to be shown the love of Christ?  The answer is everyone. 

I highly recommend the book, “Fresh Power” by Jim Cymbala and Dean Merrill.