Dear Brother,
After I had spoken to a ministers gathering in South Africa, one of the pastors asked me if I would speak to the subject of exercising authority in the local church. During his question his hand movements (body language) were like karate chops. Using the same karate hand motions I told him I really didn’t know about that kind of authority. But then using hand movements that indicated lifting and supporting, I told him I would try to speak to auhority in the Church. He, and all the other pastors gathered, understood what I was saying: That authority must be the work of servanthood, up-lifting and under girding.
I’m writing to encourage you to avoid any attempts to control or manipulate people. The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian Church, saying, “Fulfill my joy, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”. (Phil. 2:2-5) Another translation says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 2:3-5 NIV)
Let me tell you about a man who knew how to take control. Starting as a respected leader in the local fellowship, he “loved to have the preeminence among them.” (see III John 1:9-10) Before long, he was speaking maliciously about others. Not satisfied with that, he refused to welcome apostolic brothers. He was in charge and he manipulated people. As a result, many precious folks left that fellowship and some have been grievously injured.
I am writing, brother, to encourage you to be on guard to never attempt to control or minipulate people. Always hold others in high esteem. Sometimes there are folks in the church whom we tend to see as immature or unlearned, yet the Bible is clear; we are to respect them above ourselves. If you find yourself having difficulty in this area, I urge you to get together with your apostolic oversight, and join forces to overcome before a controlling spirit has opportunity to take root.
When we have difficulty in relationships, let us find Biblical principles of appealing to authority. We need to maintain an attitude of humility before God, and invite apostolic authority to help us resolve conflict. Let’s do our best to exemplify the spirit of Jesus rather than becoming dominating or harsh.
Bruce
