Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace (Ephesians 4:3).

I really don’t mind taking a stand on biblical grounds and living
with the conflict that comes from those who oppose the gospel. I
think that is part of our calling. What grieves God is when our
ministry and work is stopped because well-intentioned people
resist the inevitable and needlessly fight change.

I tell my students that the greatest asset they will have in
their early years of ministry is older, mature saints in the
church. The greatest liability they will have is old saints who
have stopped growing years ago. All these saints do is censor.
They reflect no more love or kindness now than they did 20 years
ago. They don’t worship–they critique the worship service. They
no longer sit under the judgment of Scripture–they sit in
judgment of the pastor. They no longer bear fruit–they actually
prevent it. They insist that they are right when what they need
to be is holy.

Mature saints have learned to restrict their freedom for the sake
of weaker believers. Their faith doesn’t rest in traditions, so
they gladly accept changes in style of ministry that will reach
the younger generation.

Another problem arises when young Christian leaders act
impulsively as change agents without giving thought to what the
consequences will be to the fellowship. Any movement forward that
results in the loss of fellowship is not an improvement. We must
be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit. Such change
agents seem to be unaware that patience is a fruit of the Spirit.
The modern generation wants it now. They seem to have forgotten
the fact that God does everything decently and in order. He is
not the author of confusion.

Father, please don’t allow me to sit, soak and sour, but to
remain open-minded, lighthearted and nonjudgmental.

This daily devotional is published and distributed by
http://www.GOSHEN.net/ . It is written by Neil Anderson at
http://www.freedominchrist.com/ .