Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Some Members Give the Pastor, Staff or Other Members the "Cold Shoulder" Treatment

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:33
for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Insights:  Another example of the disunity found among the Corinthian believers is located in chapter nine.  Again, we do not have to image very hard to realize that some people have stopped supporting the ministry of Paul and are withholding their financial approval.  People’s pocket books, more often than not, speak loudly to a person’s values, beliefs, and desires.  If someone does not support the same things you do, you are more likely to hold back your giving and be reserved around such an individual.  Now, this is not the same as yesterday’s point about not speaking with someone.  No, this reserved attitude is often times described as the “cold shoulder” treatment.  We have all experienced this at some point or another in our lives.  A person is giving us the “cold shoulder” and as their words come out we feel the ice sickles forming on our eye lashes.  They often times share their disapproval of our lives and our choices, but they don’t do it from the vantage point of love’s warm glow.  Rather, they rebuff us with the cold chill of judgment.  A church that has that kind of atmosphere is going to be stiff and formal.  What do you think that kind of energy will do to a person visiting a church of that nature?  Do you think they will feel loved and welcomed?  Or will they feel cold and not well received?  A visitor may not even be able to tell you what the problem is, but they will know that one exists.  If a lost person came into that kind of atmosphere, do you think they would want the hope we have to offer them?  Would you personally want to be a part of that kind of body?  Believed of the Lord, it is for this reason we must strive for unity.  We must strive to forgive each other and work toward peace and love.  Do not let our “cold shoulder” treatments cause confusion to a lost and dying world that is heading to hell.  We need to model and display the forgiving love of Jesus and proclaim His hope and let Him bring ultimate peace into their lives as well as our own.  Let God be glorified in our unity.

Questions:
  1. Are you giving people the “cold shoulder” treatment?
  2. Are you withholding your tithes and offerings because of disagreements? 
Prayer: Father, You have called Your children to be one.  Do not let me be an instrument that causes people to feel as if I am giving them the “cold shoulder.”  Let my life exhibit the warmth of love and joy.  Amen.  

No comments:

Post a Comment