Greg Chandler
Everything seemed normal. Union Pacific engineer Tracy Roth was guiding his freight train down the tracks when the train’s brakes unexpectedly went into emergency braking. Assuming it was nothing more than a routine problem, he waited for the train to stop. Later, Roth recalled, “I didn’t know anything had happened… I thought everything was working fine. I thought it was fine.” Then another crew radioed the devastating news: a freight train had collided with the rear of his. The impact derailed the locomotives and claimed the lives of the engineer and conductor aboard the other train. In a matter of moments, an ordinary day turned into a tragedy.
The illustration above is only one of many in which everything seemed fine, yet disaster followed. What is true of train collisions is also true of medical emergencies, and what is true of medical emergencies is also true of human relationships. All can potentially share the same introduction: “I thought everything was fine.” However, when actions are examined, when tests are run on the body, or when the fallout of a broken relationship is explored, it is likely that warning signs were present and, if addressed early enough, disaster could have been avoided.
Borrowing from the old saying “many a truth is spoken in jest,” I have often remarked that I am most concerned about a church when everything is going well. When God is being honored, when peace prevails, and when visitors regularly attend the assembly, a church can rejoice; however, even in these good times, the congregation must remain aware of two important realities. First, churches can become overly confident and overlook warning signs that need correction. Second, the devil is always seeking an opportunity to derail effective work for the Lord. This does not call on members to become paranoid or pessimistic; rather, it calls them to remain alert to challenges that, if left unresolved, can lead to disaster.
Elders have important responsibilities in this regard. As the author of Hebrews implored readers to submit to godly leadership, he stated, “They are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account” (13:17). Elders who keep their fingers on the spiritual pulse of a congregation can often address small concerns before they become major problems. Both in the lives of individuals and in the collective life of the congregation, their influence and foresight can make all the difference. However, the greatest responsibility rests with each member individually.
As Peter warned about our enemy, he wrote, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8). Just as a single flame can ignite a raging forest fire, so too can the words or actions of a single member bring problems into a church. It is because of this that every Christian must heed the apostle’s admonition to sobriety and vigilance.
Vigilance in speech is essential if a church is to remain healthy. Nearly forty warnings are given in the New Testament regarding destructive speech, including gossip, backbiting, evil speaking, meddling, lying, and the like. The thirst for attention, the desire for payback, and envy of another can loosen the tongue and allow these hateful words to flow. Like a spreading fire, the words of a single member can be repeated until factions arise within a congregation and peace is destroyed. Before any such devastation occurs, how much better it would be for the people of God to pray as David did: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3). With this God-given guard in place, peace prevails.
Godly treatment of one another is also paramount. As Paul defined love, he concluded by stating, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (I Corinthians 13:7). Treating my brother or sister in Christ as I wish to be treated promotes this love. Each Christian, therefore, must beware of assuming the worst of another. Someone who disagrees with me is not necessarily a false teacher. Someone who corrects me is not my enemy, but a true friend. Someone who encourages me toward spiritual growth is not arrogant, but a humble supporter. It is easy to assign wrong motives and act accordingly. To label another a false teacher, or to assume another has acted selfishly or inconsiderately, destroys peace. How much better it is to “go to your brother” than to allow ill-conceived thoughts to fracture the blessing God has given.
When each Christian takes individual responsibility for maintaining peace within a congregation, peace will most certainly prevail. Caution in word and action will be exercised, the needs of others will be placed before one’s own, and perceived slights or wrongs will be addressed in a Christlike manner. Indeed, everything “will be fine” because love for God and fellow Christians will keep the prowling lion from his destructive work. Peace within a congregation, grounded in the peace of Jesus Christ, will endure.
