The Christian news lately seems full of examples of
questionable comments made by big-name pastors and leaders. (Here’s just one example.) Whether you agree with their theology or not, I have a
problem with the forum and manner in which such comments have been made. In the
pastoral epistles, Paul gave several instructions regarding the conduct of pastors/elders,
deacons, and other leaders. Here are just a few:
- “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5 ESV).
- “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling” (1 Tim. 2:8).
- “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wide, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach… Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace” (2 Tim. 3:2, 7a).
- “Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12b).
- “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, young women as sisters, in all purity” (1 Tim. 5:1).
- “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness” (2 Tim. 2:24-25a).
- “Remind them… to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:1-2).
Although we all make mistakes, those in the news lately have repeatedly
failed to treat other Christians with courtesy and respect, and have offered no
apologies. Those who are in the public eye should realize that every word they
say will be scrutinized, but every Christian should be “quick to hear, slow to
speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness
of God” (James 1:19b-20).
What does it say to Christians when leaders publicly attack
other Christians?
I have no respect for you or your position… You aren’t worthy of respect… You are not my sister or brother in Christ… I don’t love you and I refuse to have a civil dialogue with you… You have no value in God’s kingdom…
What does it communicate to non-Christians?
God may love you, but look out for everyone else…
Why would someone want to align themselves with Christianity when the
leaders who are thought to represent us are more interested in bickering over
non-essentials and joking around in the “good ol’ boys” club?
Thankfully, there are a lot more Christians who are loving,
kind, and gentle in their words and actions. They just aren’t the ones who make
the news on a regular basis. My theology has been shaped—and even changed—by
people who lovingly dialogue with me, but those who are harsh in their language
only strengthen my resolve to disagree.
Gentleness and humility are perhaps the most ignored traits
that Christians are supposed to exhibit. We’re far more adept at pride,
dissension, and judgmental attitudes. The Apostle Paul reminded the believers
in Ephesus:
“I urge you to walk in a manner
worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and
gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain
the unity of the Spirit in the body of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-2).
If we would all heed that instruction, imagine what it would
do to our witness to a broken and hurting world. It might not make the news,
but such love would draw people in like never before.
“A soft answer turns
away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends
knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly… A gentle tongue is a tree of
life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit” (Proverbs 15:1-2, 4).
© 2019 Dawn Rutan. Unless otherwise indicated all images are
copyright free from pixabay.com. The opinions stated do not necessarily reflect
the views of my church or employer.
