StrTrkr777’s above post is scripturally sound on the handling of divisions within the body of believers, that is, the church.
Unfortunately, many Christians attend different churches. And even more distressing for the unification of believers, certain denominations frown upon other denominations, which can easily nullify an earnest request for consideration of offensive actions.
For instance, I belonged to a church that believes its particular body of believers are the only people saved. To accept correction from anyone outside that body would be ludicrous, in their eyes.
Nevermind what the Bible says.
So the guidelines above are effective for one’s affiliated body, that is, their own congregation–and should be effective in the entire body, as laid out in the groundwork of scripture–but alas, spiritual pride, one of the most insidious weapons the enemy utilizes in the ‘unseen warfare’ for the soul, tends to hanstring the credibility of many a stout believer due to the overwhelming numbers who espouse the ways of Christ while failing to look past their own selfish motivations.
I’ll use my old church as another example: when one was baptized, the person who introduced the new believer to the church was ‘credited’ with the salvation, in that the new believer was called so-and-so’s ‘fruit’, referring to the ‘fruit of the spirit’ Christ referred to (now now, stifle it, stifle it); little or no credit was given God’s plan for that believer. In fact, in order to be baptized, one had to ‘pass’ a certain amount of studies ‘to be sure that the individual was committed to believing.’ One was denied baptism on faith alone.
Just one of the reasons my wife and I left…
But I digress–
To address a believer in error, common ground must be sought. StrTrkr777 wrote:
I do not agree that one ‘cannot have sin in their life’ to build up or teach another; we’d have very few teachers if this were the case. But I believe, and correct me if I’m wrong, StrTrkr777, that the above refers to ‘continued sinful practice’ as opposed to utter sanctification from sin. We screw up all the time. The difference is whether or not we care to do something about it, or continue in hypocrisy. People have oftentimes called me on previous sin when I attempt to address a behavorial error in their walk. Can I own up to it? Have I addressed it? Have I corrected it? If so, then I can freely state such. If not, then I must be willing to hear them and accept their testimony.
Both of these must be exercised with integrity of character and humility, rather than a need for defensiveness and self-preservation.
The effort must be made to lead by example in the area of correction, that is, if one is involved in adultery, the ‘teacher’ must be free of that sin in their own life. (And much of the time, people who have been involved previously and have overcome that particular transgression will be involved with the counseling of the current ‘offender.’)
In the case of figureheads of Christianity, i.e. Billy Graham, Tim Storey, et al; their walk is their testimony. And Christians do watch them carefully. If they do not, they err on the side of people-pleasing (oh, it’s okay, it’s just once). Several figures in the spotlight have been thoroughly rebuked for behavior setting a bad example. (Jim-n-Tammy Bakker, Swaggart, even the Rev. Jesse Jackson, to name a few) and should be so.
Which brings us back to Christians who bludgeon the public with clubs of judgment and spite.
How do we deal with them, as believers?
Aside from mentioning the plank in their eye, all we can do is remind them that they’re not Christians by right: They’re Christians by grace. By invitation, if you will. We must use God’s word as our foundation, and remember one thing above all:
If correction comes before love, it is utterly useless.
Correction must always be a result of love, not of pride, or self-righteousness, or vindictiveness, or malice. it must be genuinely offered to build up, not to rip down.
Only then will the one who errs have a chance at receiving inspiration to correct themselves.
Insanity destroys logic, but not wit. Nathaniel Emmons
If we are out of our mind, it is for the Lord; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 2Cor.5:13