Romans 16:17,18

"Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the heart of the simple." (Romans 16:17,18)


Having experienced the situation first hand, the message totally hit home when I saw the exhortation. There are four types of reactions to this situation. Those who are totally oblivious of what's going on. As a result, totally gullible. Those who know something's fishy but doesn't break away. The result could be two fold, being led astray or turn the culprits around. Then there are those people who break away and do nothing about the situation. Finally, there are the people who break away but because they are totally bothered by the situation, they try all means to better it. After observing these four types of people, it's apparent that their reactions to this situation usually end up mirroring their amount of faith for God.

The members in jeopardy are those who live in total oblivion. These are the new born babes who are still nuturing through milk. They have only began to study the Words of God on the surface, and are totally gullible of whatever another member may say. In the odd times of a non-qualified speaker preaching, the 'older' members may filter through what is spoken, but the new convert will take in whatever is preached on the pulpit. They have no clue of what's the right interpretation, so they tend to favor the eloquent, those with smooth and seemingly powerful words. Therefore, it is crucial that the 'older' members take our new brother/sister step by step in coming to understand the teachings of God. That way, they will be able to discern what's right and wrong in the future. If no one takes the chance to lead them in the right direction, they may fall into the trap set by the offenders, trusting in their treacherous language. The ultimate end is the losing of yet another soul.

Some members know enough concerning the doctrines of God to know when something contradictory happens. However, these members tend to be the observers in church. They will keep in mind of whatever happens but take no sides for fear of offending anyone. They have not gone to the depth of the Words of God to take a stand for what they believe is right. The reflection is in their intentions to please the people around them instead of God. This implies a faith not deeply rooted, hence easily swayed. Although this may seem like a good way to keep peace between the opposing sides, it may not be what God expects of us. God's Words are absolute, what's right is right, what's wrong is wrong. Nothing is ever in the gray area. You are either for it or against it. The important thing for these members is to learn the importance of the absolute doctrine of God. To know that it is more important to keep peace between us and God than us and other people if it comes down to that.

A member with a faily good idea that God's doctrines cannot be swayed will stick by it. However, not all of them will make the wrong right. Many members just stay out of what's wrong and go on with what's right. Usually these members see themselves as visitors to the church and not part of the church. They will participate only when asked. Even so, they stand their ground on what's the right way to conduct a church and voice their annoyance to the people standing on smiliar grounds. The important thing is they have the doctrine down and know what's right for the church. However, everyone would clean their dirty house and not leave it for someone else to clean up. Therefore, these members need to work on looking at the church as their own.

The last group of members will fight for what's right and make sure someothing is done about it. They will not only voice the frustration but will act on it with the intention to set the crooked straight. These are the people who knows their place in church, and know that they are a part of it. They realize that unless they step up, nothing will be resolved. After all, church is composed of each individual. If no one makes an effort to make it better, how could it improve? Unless someone stands up against the wrong, the mistakes will continue to be made. It is up to these members to remind the congregation to refer back to our doctrine. They will be the ones to realize what the offenders have up their sleeves. In return, they will figure out how to pull the church back to what is pleasing to God.

It is difficult to pinpoint which kind of member we are in the church. We may fluctuate between more than one kind. However, beware to never fall in the trap of being the offender and not know it. It is important for us to examine our motives behind out actions. Why we do certain things at church and why we don't. Are we there to seek approval from the congregation or from God? Are we there to hold a political campaign or to uphold God's truth? It is a constant battle that we fight within ourselves to make sure that we are doing things for the right reasons. Hopefully, we can all ask God to search within our heart and let us see ourselves clearly.