Why do we fight amongst ourselves?

Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-18


I have been with the Christian Motorcyclists Association Ministry for 8 or 9 years. But before this ministry, I have been involved with Church ministry a lot longer. I was a Church Youth Director, a Sunday School teacher of adults, youth, and children. I have served on countless committees and worked with church leaders in multiple churches. I have also had a father that was a minister and a mom deeply involved with the leadership in churches. I can say without any hesitation, ALL of the ministries I have been exposed to have had issues. You would think being a Christian Ministry with the focus on bringing others to Jesus, you would NOT have conflict and you would not have "petty" bickering.  Sadly, that is just not true. I love that the Lord sent me these verses this morning. I WISH EVERY MINISTRY would follow these simple guidelines.  Instead we battle amongst ourselves while the enemy attacks the lost, the poor, and the homeless, and the downtrodden, we focus on ourselves. 

It is so difficult to do ministry when there is conflict between each other. The focus instantly changes from EXTERNAL to INTERNAL. So many ministry teams have lost sight of the goal. They have taken the focus off our service to others and focused efforts on power and personalities. We cut down our pastors and leaders when they make even the tiniest of mistakes. When they make a HUGE   error, there is no such thing as grace, mercy, or love. 

It is no wonder it is difficult to get people to volunteer for leadership in ministries. Who would want to take the abuse, and the critical analysis every day? If we can't live peacefully with each other, how can we serve the lost? How can be COMPEL people to join the faith in our Lord Jesus?

If you are involved with a MINISTRY of ANY KIND, you should take these INSTRUCTIONS and live them every day of your life.