Rev Bill

Purpose 2 in Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life is:

You Were Formed For God’s Family

Warren concludes the discussion of this purpose in day 21 — Protecting Your Church. Beginning with the statement: It is your job to protect the unity of your church Warren gives 6 pieces of advise on how to do this.

1. Focus on what you have in common, not on your differences.
You share many things in common with the members of your church. The greatest things you share with them are your salvation through Jesus Christ, the hope and faith God gives you, your common Savior. These things you share in common are much more important than anything you might disagree on.

2. Be realistic in your expectations.
Don’t be discouraged that the members of your church are not perfect and the fellowship in your church is not perfect. Remember that you are not, either! Commit to work for the “perfecting” of the fellowship of your church instead of looking for a “more perfect” one.

3. Choose to encourage rather than criticize.
It’s easier to stand back and criticize how things are done than to jump in and help get them done! Try to encourage those who are doing the work in your church — and help them.

4. Refuse to listen to gossip.
Don’t just try to not spread gossip — also try not to listen to it.

5. Practice God’s method of conflict resolution.
In day 20 Warren gave some advise on how to resolve conflict. He now gives another piece of advise from Matthew 18:15-17:
15“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. 16If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. 17If he still won’t listen, tell the church. If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love.(Matthew 18:15-17, The Message)
This 3 step process is important. I like the way The Message translates the end of verse 17 — “offer again God’s forgiving love”.

6. Support your pastors and leaders.
I really like this piece of advise ! Pastors and leaders of churches are entrusted by God with maintaining the unity of a church. They need the prayers and support of their members.

Every member of a church needs to do all they can to build up the unity and fellowship that is God’s will for the church!

Lord — Help me to do my part in building up the unity and fellowship of my church, and not to take part in tearing it down. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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