“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
As believers, our service in church is a vital contribution to the progress and fulfilment of the Great Commission. This means our efforts should not be minimal but heartfelt and diligent. However, it’s important to acknowledge that in the process of serving, we might encounter hurt or offence. This isn’t a message of doom but a realistic possibility in any gathering of people, including spiritual ones.
This week, we began a series on handling hurt or offences in church. Yesterday, we explored forgiveness and ways to navigate it through prayer, surrender, and embracing community. Today, we will focus on how this relates to our service in the church.
Offences are inevitable, and we will undoubtedly face them. Chief among our responses should be prayer. But when it comes to our service in church, how should we handle it if we are offended? Should we stop serving? Should we withdraw?
Our anchor verse reminds us that everything we do should be in service to God, not to human beings. This also applies to church hurt. While it can be deeply painful, it should not lead to isolation from the gathering of believers (Hebrews 10:25). The Church is God’s idea. It is His will that we fellowship and commune with other believers for the work of ministry.
If you are offended, it may lead you to change your church but do not leave the church entirely. Isolation is a tool of the enemy designed to hinder your service. Consider the story of Apostle Paul and Barnabas. In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit specifically called both men for a particular assignment. Despite their spiritual partnership, in Acts 15:36, they had a sharp disagreement and parted ways.
A significant lesson from their disagreement is that it did not hinder their ministry. They went their separate ways but continued their service to God. Their partnership was divinely orchestrated, yet it did not prevent contention. Thankfully, their service to God persisted.
Let this encourage you as you navigate serving in the church despite any offence. Consider speaking to church leadership about your hurt, depending on the nature of the offence. Acknowledge that sometimes the offence might come from the leadership, and there may be no higher authority to report to. In such cases, let God guide you on whether to continue serving in that church or to find another church where you can serve.
The essence is to ensure that you are not isolated or completely leave the church. Your contribution to service ensures that souls are saved and convictions are strengthened.
Dear believer, the Lord sees you, your sacrifice, and your reasonable service to Him. Don’t leave the church; if necessary, change your church but continue serving the Lord.
Bible Reading Plan: Acts 15