SECURING RECONCILIATION

“If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his  fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast  gained thy brother“– Matthew 18:15

Jesus here gives the prescription for offenses within the body of  Christ. Do you believe his medicine is effective? Will you apply its  healing power to your life?

If a member of the body has injured you in some way, Jesus says to  speak with him or her about it in private. Do not broadcast the injury  around the church. Do not try to gather a group of people “on your side” within the church. In fact, do not bring it up with anyone else, at  all!

Tell him his fault between you and him alone. That is the  first and necessary step toward genuine reconciliation and peace within  the body. If this labor does not work, Jesus gives further instructions  in the verses that follow.

But before moving on to the next “step” of discipline, consider this  first and foundational admonition carefully. Have you spoken to the  offending person, in complete privacy? Was you goal to gain your brother or sister, as Jesus clearly intimates it should be? Or were you simply seeking to offend someone in return?

Do you believe the Great Physician knows how to heal his own church?  Then apply his cure liberally to your own heart and friendships and see  its marvelous power to restore, refresh, and renew the body of Christ.–Baptist Bible Hour

( This is a very important point. Confronting others about offenses is for the purpose of securing reconciliation, not ranting about their faults–“getting them told” as we like to say. –HDS)

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

PURSUING PEACE
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”–Romans 12:18
We are all different and that can make life difficult. We all have different beliefs, abilities, and taste. That holds true in just about everything—food, sports, cars, music, books, etc. Being different doesn’t necessarily make us better or worse, right or wrong, etc., but that’s what a lot of folks would have you to believe. Their attitude is “It’s my way or the highway”. They are critical of anyone who doesn’t agree with them. Even the apostles had their differences, so we can expect that we will have some of the same problems. Sadly most folks don’t deal with their differences very well.

Of course this is America and you are free to believe what you want, but that doesn’t mean it is right. And judged by the Bible a lot of things accepted today are not right. Naturally the Bible doesn’t address every subject, but that doesn’t mean we are free to do as we please. While the Bible does not speak to every issue, it does give us principles that relate to every area of life. Based on that, I have to say that it’s evident that many professing Christians have poor taste in regards to many things. Just because something is legal, popular, or generally accepted doesn’t mean it is wise, healthy, or beneficial.
While much could be said about living at peace with others, I want to mention just two things that would help greatly. First, some people won’t speak up. They refuse to come clean about their faults. It’s as though they think if they never confess their faults they don’t have any. It would be better if they admitted that they are part of the problem, rather than pretending it’s someone else’s fault.

Second, some folks won’t shut up. They reveal too much about themselves by expressing their opinions, likes and dislikes when it isn’t necessary. They seem to think they must comment on everything and they come across as a critical, overbearing know-it-all. That usually doesn’t benefit anyone. Doing so just opens the door for criticism, debates and divisions–things we all could live without.–HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

INTEGRITY
“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”–Prov. 19:1
Integrity is one of those things that is greatly needed but rarely found, which is a terrible shame! While we don’t have any reason to expect it from the world it is the duty of every Christian. Even unbelievers seem to know that. That’s why they are so quick to call us hypocrites when we fail. Sadly we give them plenty ammunition, and it generally shows up in what we call “the little things”. Many times we see it in the way in which we relate to our brothers and sisters in Christ– where you would least expect it.
As a pastor I have a front row seat where I am forced to see it over and over again– although I would rather not. It’s obvious because it has to do with things like manners, common courtesy, respect, etc.–things expected in school, on the job, at social events, etc. The same people who rise to the expectations in those places often refuse to show the same respect in church. They come and go and do as they please without consideration for others, even those in authority. They don’t give their best while they are there, no notice when they are absent, and no explanation when leave. They wouldn’t do it at work or in the courtroom, but don’t see it as important in the church, although we are commanded to be blameless.
It’s a shame that they aren’t more concerned about their testimony. What we do, for good or bad, has a great affect on others. Your example can be more powerful than a sermon or song. Just as Daniel’s character opened doors to a life of usefulness, being a person of integrity can give you great opportunities to be used of God. May God deliver us from hypocrisy and duplicity and help us to have a Christ-like spirit in all we do! God help us to truly live up to the title of “ladies” and “gentlemen”.–HDS
 
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346