Morning Reading: Ephesians 4.25-27 NLT

“So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Ephesians 4.25-27 NLT

Evening Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5.13-15 MSG

“Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.” 1 Thessalonians 5.13-15 MSG

PDL 21 – Protecting Your Church

“So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of one another’s character.”
Romans 14.19 Phillips NT

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14 NLT

Day 21 of 40: “Divide and conquer” is a basic warfare strategy… and it’s an essential tool of the devil when it comes to the Church. “Division, conflict, and disharmony cause devastating damage in the Church”… and they are antithetical to God’s plan and purpose for the Church… and for us as well.

I’ve experienced and lived through conflict at all levels of a denominational church – national, regional, and local. Some conflict is simply a matter of personal preferences… some is a matter of conflicting goals or priorities… and some is down and dirty spiritual warfare. Discerning the difference is a necessary leadership skill.

The Church needs to be protected from all of it. But the conflicts that most of us we deal with are over matters of personal preferences and conflicting priorities. And that’s what I’d like to reflect on here. Continue reading “PDL 21 – Protecting Your Church” →