The Struggle is Real

Where there are people, there are problems.

I know this isn't a new epiphany, but this is the thought that came to mind in light of our recent series on Covenant Membership. As I continued through my Bible reading plan this morning, I was reminded that the church is not the building, but the people; the imperfect people. It doesn't matter which church you call home, eventually the imperfection of others, and your own imperfection will come to the surface.

This isn't just true within the walls of your church building. It is also true in the walls of your home. It is true in your marriage, in your family, in your neighborhood, at your office, at the gym, and at the grocery store. Everywhere you go, you are surrounded by people who make mistakes, and your church is no exception.

All of this imperfection means that in all of our relationships, roles, and responsibilities we will eventually be faced with problems given enough time. We live in a broken and sinful world and we are all sinners in need of a Savior.

In Acts, we see that the early church was not exempt from problems caused by imperfect people. Eventually, time and growth lead to obstacles and challenges. In Acts 6, we find that the Jews who spoke Greek had been complaining because their widows were not being provided for like the widows who spoke Aramaic. It would seem that the sin of partiality and favoritism is not a new development for believers (James 2:1-7).

How did the apostles respond to this imperfection?

First, here we see what would seem to be the first appointment of the diaconate (deacons), but what is most significant is not the men who were appointed, but the description of their character. When imperfection begins to surface we need to be, "full of the Spirit and of wisdom" (Acts 6:3).

When we see the imperfection of another, we are quick to forget our own sinfulness. We are often eager to point out the smallest flaws of others while ignoring the major flaws in our own lives. When we see the mistakes of another, we can easily become impatient, critical, harsh, prideful, and self-righteous, but when we allow the Spirit to work in our lives our attitudes can be different.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

When imperfection creates obstacles and problems, we need God's wisdom to guide our approach. It seems our culture is becoming increasingly conditioned to look for the path of least resistance. If we don't enjoy something, we quit. If someone irritates us, we avoid them. We want to avoid the struggle.

If we are serious about making disciples, and serious about being disciples, we need a different approach. The struggle is real, but we don't need an approach that avoids that struggle, but one that struggles well. Yes, there will be problems. In fact, we should expect problems. Where there are people, there are problems. 

The problems and challenges we face while dealing with other people are part of the "various trials" in our lives that "test our faith" and produce endurance (James 1:2-3). With that in mind, our fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ is not only beneficial when things are going well, but even the challenges we will face together are really opportunities for growth and maturity.