When faced with this dilemma, how should Christians respond?
The aim of today’s teaching letter is not to accuse or defend, but to examine the appropriate Christian response based on biblical principles.
I hope the few principles outlined here will guide our words and actions when we come across situations like this.
I will like to begin with the response of the general populace. I mean Christians and non-Christians alike, and after, I will narrow down on some of the responses that are peculiar to anyone who calls himself a born-again Christian.
The Example Of Paul And His Accusers.
One day, Paul was accused of religious and economic sabotage in Ephesus. His case became the talk of the city, and a mob gathered that was ready to lynch him. Below is part of the charges that were leveled against him.
Acts 19:27
“There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”
The Response Of Paul’s Accusers.
Acts 19:28-32.
“When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there”
What can we learn from this?
We must avoid a wrong response.
1. We must not make emotional decisions.
Many of them had an emotional response: “They were furious,” and wanted to dispense instant justice, although they did not know the facts.
2. We must not draw conclusions based on insufficient or scanty information.
Many were confused because they had little or conflicting information. “Some were shouting one thing, some another.”
3. We must be careful not to mislead people who are not discerning.
It’s interesting the way the Bible described the mob.
“Most of the people did not even know why they were there.”
Be careful what you say to someone because not everyone is discerning.
What should be the appropriate response of the general public?
The town clerk finally came with wise counsel on how to proceed.
These are his words.
Acts 19:37-39
“You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly.”
I want to make a few comments concerning this.
1. Don’t be quick to condemn people who don’t have a history of wrong doing.
When people don’t have a history of wrongdoing and are accused of things that seem to be out of character, we must go the extra mile to ascertain the truth.
Hearsay, rumors and snippets of information may not be enough.
The clerk said, “they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess so let’s be careful to draw conclusions.”
2. There are official bodies mandated to deal with such matters; let them do their work.
The town clerk reminded them of the law courts, and the lawful bodies, which could deal with the matter.
We live under rules, regulations and systems, and we must allow them to work without interfering with them.
For Christians Only.
Finally, I want to end with a word of advice for Christians only.
If you are not a born-again Christian, you may want to stop reading at this point because you may not understand or agree with the principles.
1 Corinthians 2:6
“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought”
That’s why this section is meant for Christians only.
1. Accusations against Christian leaders must not be accepted until proven without doubt.
1Timothy 5:19
“Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.”
Why is this important, and more so in the case of a Christian leader?
This is because one of the devil’s cardinal weapons is false accusation, especially against pastors.
Revelation 12:10
“For the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”
If you will remember, it was false accusation that made the Jews crucify Jesus.
This can range from blatant lies to lies laced with a hint of truth. The devil is still on the prowl.
2. Restoration should be your motive.
Assuming it is even proven that a Christian leader has made a mistake, our job is to restore not to destroy. There is a world of difference between the two words. Jesus restored Peter, but the Pharisees did not even care.
Galatians 6:1
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
The spiritual implication is obvious; people who don’t restore open themselves up to attacks themselves.
3. Don’t rejoice over “the problems” of God’s servants.
When Saul died on mount Gilboa, David did not rejoice although he was his arch enemy. He recognized the anointing on his life. This is what he said.
2 Samuel 1:19-20
“The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places:
How are the mighty fallen!
Tell it not in Gath,
Publish it not in the streets of Askelon;
Lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,
Lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.”
The world can rejoice but we can’t because love does not rejoice over evil.
This piece is not intended to provide all answers, but to share some ideas.
Finally, on a personal note, I want to say I love God’s servants and I am praying for all Gods servants who for one reason or the other may be undergoing tribulation.
God bless you all!
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