Acts 6:1 And in those days".... "there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said".... 3 "Look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude".... 6 "And when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
This passage of scripture teaches us of the scriptural method of resolving difficulties, issues, or problems, which arise from time to time in the body of Christ's true followers. In this instance the Grecian women were being neglected in the daily ministry, and when the complaint was raised, the entire body of believers came together to resolve the issue, and it was determined that seven faithful men should be set over the distribution of goods and services. The results of the discussion pleased the whole multitude, and after the disciples had prayed and laid their hands on the seven, the problem was permanently resolved.
This is the scriptural format for resolving issues within the body of believers, and it is good that in the example given above, everyone agreed to the solution. But this is not always the case, for often when difficulties arise within the church, and the issues are brought to the church leaders for resolution, some members may disagree on the way forward, and may even voice their objection to the solutions suggested. However, if the majority of true believers agree on a certain path forward, and like the apostles of old, they have prayed over the matter, then the dissenting voices should go with the flow, once God's law is not being violated.
This method of resolving issues, and the general acceptance of church members with the results, will prevent off-shoot groups from arising to draw members away from the main body of believers, and will also ensure that the cohesiveness and unity which should always characterize God's people, is maintained, so that we can present to the world a united front, and not a discombobulated mix of ideas and personal opinions. Let's read:
1st Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore".... "beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
In our day, as various issues come up for consideration by the body of true believers, let us therefore endeavor to maintain the bond of peace and unity in the Spirit, even if we may not personally agree with the outcomes, for God is not a God of confusion, therefore let everything be done decently and in order, and God will be glorified on the earth and in our hearts. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to seek unity and peace, by engaging the golden principle of charity in everything we may do, think, or say. Let's read:
1st Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!