"It Has To Be Gone!"

  It is amazing to watch people. People who profess their love for the Lord and dedicated to His service are really amazing to watch. They can really encourage you toward the Lord. There are others I have noticed over my many years that are controlling people. Not just in life but in the life of the church! Too many believe and think that everything has to go the direction they believe it should go. If someone doesn't follow their thoughts or wants, they find a way to get rid of such in the church. I have known congregation after congregation that can't keep a preacher and each and every time it is blamed on the preacher not able to get along. However as I have aged, some of those preachers that have moved on from these congregations were solid, well grounded lovers of God and His word. Those preachers refused to follow what the ones in control wanted! Those congregations died.

  People want to control and that's a fact. When you find a few individuals controlling things in the church, something is terribly flawed. When those who control everything don't get what they want there are stresses, strains and little love for the Lord's cause and His people. The more they couldn't control the more they fought for control. Have you ever tried to have a discussion with one who tries to control situations? They come across as angry and they become agitated that you express something different than what they want. They try to lord over you to change your mind or approach. There is no love in that as love "does not seek it own." (I Cor. 13:5) 

  What do we do when people try to control things within the church? Maybe they are elders, preachers or simply a few strong-minded members with strong personalities. Alexander the coppersmith harmed Paul greatly as he opposed the teachings of Paul (II Tim. 4:14-15) What did Paul do and teach about such people? "The Lord will repay him according to his deeds!" There lies the answer. No matter who does what the Lord is still Lord of everything and head over His church. I believe that with all my heart. I use to wonder why some congregations never grew much and some folded and you don't have to look far. The Lord shut it all down because there were too many controllers rather than one Lord. Rather than holding to the head the controllers act as the head.

  There are still things that pop up from time to time that people want to control but when you let go and give Jesus His rightful place, all arguing and stress are eliminated. Jesus will grow His church. If we would stop trying to "run the show" true spiritual growth will take place and we will all become more spiritual minded. Peace will prevail. The controllers think that by running off those who don't agree with them creates peace, they are self-deceived and in the process can't figure out why we never grow. You see, Jesus said the students will only become like the teacher. If the controllers are the teachers the body of Christ will reflect that. Jesus is the only One capable of growing, pruning and growing His fruit within us. We have got to stop the controlling, the nagging while trying to proceed the way we personally envision. That part of us has to be gone or we will die spiritually!