“In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:6-8 NLT)
Paul’s instruction to young Titus implored him to “Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” Why is that so vital? Because the most effective way to confirm the truth of the Gospel is to live a holy life. Words are empty and meaningless except they be confirmed by the truth of a life of integrity and purity.
Why is that such an issue in the modern church? Because in too many instances we’re reflecting the character of the world rather than the character of Christ. How is this most prominently displayed? In our leadership! If those who lead our churches aren’t men and women of integrity, how will those under their leadership gain a proper perspective on what’s right and wrong, not only in leading, but in living.
Mark Mcintyre suggests that those who are leaders should ask themselves some questions: First, Am I forthcoming about how and why the decisions I make are made? Secondly, Do I apply pressure to those who have a different opinion to agree with me? And, thirdly, Do I listen and seek to learn from their perspective? His conclusion was, “If one or more of the leaders is using ungodly means to implement his vision, I struggle to see how the church could be healthy. The end never justifies the means.”
How do we respond if we’re a leader? Ask the questions but also ask the Lord to do a personal inventory of our life. Follow the Psalmist’s instructions in Psalm 139:23: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Ed Stetzer was right when he wrote: “God does not direct us to use ungodly means to accomplish Godly ends.” And while we can sometimes point to our leaders for promoting ungodly means, we are still responsible to the Lord if we follow them. So, what do we do if we suspect or know that some of the leaders in our church are involved in measures that are unpleasing to the Lord and clearly unbiblical.
Jesus outlines a workable plan in Matthew 18:15-17. Go to the person yourself. Express your concern(s) and see how they respond. If they’re genuinely repentant and see your point and actually make an effort to change their approach, you’ve won a brother and avoided a conflict. If that doesn’t work, take one or two people with you who understand the problem and agree the person should be confronted. Again, if they listen, problem solved, but if they don’t and it’s an issue that effects the whole church, take it to the leadership – the Pastor, Elders, Deacons, Official Board – however the government of your church is structured.
But what if it is a leader or the Pastor? Use the same process, but if none of them work, seek a higher authority – state or even national boards who oversee your denomination or church group. We cannot draw the proverbial line on our involvement unless and until we’ve done everything the Lord leads us to do to resolve what He has shown us is reflecting the world, not the church, from a clear Biblical perspective.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 