"I look forward with pleasure to the day when there will not be a Baptist living! I hope that the Baptist name will soon perish but let Christ's name last forever." (C. H. Spurgeon, known as the prince of Baptist preachers)

Do You Disagree?

It is inevitable that in the course of dealing with other people certain disagreements will arise. It happens in business, among friends, in the home, at school, and it certainly happens in the church. So, the question is not: Will we disagree with other Christians from time to time? Of course, we will. The real question is: How will we handle these disagreements? Here are some suggestions.

First, analyze the problem. Do you disagree with some decision the elders have made? Is it something that the preacher taught that has you concerned? Have you had some problem with a particular Bible class teacher? Is there some brother or sister in the congregation with whom you have a difference? No matter who it may be, take care to be sure that you are being fully objective in the matter. Too often we allow our own prejudices and preconceived ideas to interfere with our evaluation of a given matter.

Next, ask yourself if the difference is a matter that relates to scriptural soundness. If so, yield not an inch. When false teachers were involved, Paul "gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour" (Gal. 2:5). We should imitate his example. But, be honest enough to admit if your problem is not a scriptural one, but rather simply a matter of judgment. Perhaps you would not have made the same judgment, but no sin has occurred. If this is the case, then we urge you to "be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph. 4:32). Far too many church problems have gotten completely out of hand because brethren were willing to fight when they should have been longsuffering with one another. In matters of judgment, "let each esteem other better than themselves" (Phil. 2:3).

If you determine that this disagreement must be pursued, then be sure that you follow the proper procedure as outlined in God's word (Matt. 18:1517). Do not compound the problem by backbiting, rumor spreading, or gossip. Go directly to the parties involved and work tirelessly for a resolution of the disagreement. If you are unwilling to do this, you are violating God's law and you have no right to even open your mouth. In other words, do what's right or keep quiet!