Purpose Driven Life Day 21

Day 21, May 21st, "Protecting Our Church"

   - It is our job of members of a church to protect the unity of the church. If we destroy unity in the church it rips God's heart out. We as members need to model the trinity, father, son, and holy spirit. "Nothing on earth is more valuable to God than his church." (Rick Warren). Yesterday I was talking to a friend and I told him I didn't understand this second purpose as much. I understand that God wants us to have real fellowship but, how is this purpose teaching me or someone else reading it their purpose. He told me the church is God's most valuable possession so one of our purposes is to treasure and honor the church. It opened my eyes up and made me realize why this purpose is in here. Ephesians 4:13 says, "This work must continue until we are all joined together in the same faith and in the same knowledge of the Son of God. We must become like a mature person, growing until we become like Christ and have his perfection." There are 6 things we can do to help protect our church:
   1. Focus on what we have in common, not our differences
       - We need to focus on harmony, not differences. We should value each others differences because God gave each of us our unique personalities. We need to not let differences in each other divide us. We should stay focused on what matters most. Love like God does. "Conflict is usually a sign that the focus has shifted to less important issues." (Rick Warren). Shift your focus on loving each other and filling God's purposes in your life. 1 Corinthians 1:10 says, "I beg you, brothers and sister, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you agree with each other and not be split into groups. I beg that you be completely joined together by having the same kind of thinking and the same purpose."
   2. Be realistic in your expectations 
       - We MUST passionately love the church with its imperfections. "Longing for the ideal while criticizing the real is evidence of immaturity. On the other hand, settling for the real without striving for the ideal is complacency. Maturity is living with tension." (Rick Warren). Other believers will let us down but that doesn't mean we stop fellowship with them. We are all family. Ephesians 4:2 says, "Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love." We have to understand that we are all sinners and the church is made up of sinners as well. Sometimes we hurt each other intentionally sometimes unintentionally. It is important that we reconcile rather then run away. "Divorcing" your church or a friend is a sign of immaturity. Every church and every person has its strength and weaknesses.
   3. Choose to encourage rather than criticize

       - "It is always easier to stand on the sidelines and take shots at those who are serving than it is to get involved and make a commitment." (Rick Warren). So many people complain about things but do not do anything to get involved to change them. If you are not going to help and get involved you should only encourage those who are doing something. Whenever we judge another believer 4 things happen: 1. Lose fellowship with God
              2. Expose your own pride and insecurities
              3. Set yourself up to be judged by God
              4. Harm the fellowship of the church
It is not our job to judge, blame, or critic someone. Romans 14:19 says, "So let us try to do what makes peace and helps one another."
    4. Refuse to listen to gossip 
       - Whether you are the one gossiping or the one listen it is wrong. It is our responsibility to tell others to stop talking about others."People who gossip to you will also gossip about you." (Rick Warren). I am sure we have all been apart of gossip and the repercussions of gossiping are never good. Avoid it at all cost.
    5. Practice God's method for conflict resolution
        - Matthew 18:15-17 says, "If your fellow believer sins against you, go and tell him in private what he did wrong. If he listens to you, you have helped that person to be your brother or sister again. But if he refuses to listen, go to him again and take one or two other people with you. 'Every case may be proved by two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, then treat him like a person who does not believe in God." The bible tells us exactly what we need to do.
    6. Support your pastor and leaders

        - Cascade Hills Church in Columbus, GA has pastors prayer partners who pray over the pastor, leaders of the church and their families. People meet together before each service and pray and then go on the stage and kneel down with the pastor and pray over him before he gives the message. There are not perfect leaders in any church but God gives them the authority to maintain unity. We need to honor the leaders and pastors. Sometimes we have to do whats best for the "body" and not yourself. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, "Now, brothers and sisters, we ask you to appreciate those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you. Respect them with a very special love because of the work they do." "We protect the fellowship when we honor those who serve us by leading." (Rick Warren). Pray for your pastor, honor him, and do not put him down.

Point to Ponder: It is my responsibility to protect the unity of my church.
Verse to Remember: "Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony and the growth of our fellowship together." Romans 14:19
Question to Remember: What am I personally doing to protect unity in my church family right now?