Walking Away - I Just Won't Do That

Over the past couple weeks our church has been going through one of the hardest times that it could spiritually, I believe. Our pastor passed away on April 29th, and having made known who he desired as his successor, it caused a division in the church. Not his decision per se, but the way the board of trustees went about presenting his selection. Many believed that a choice should be presented and others were offended that those who wanted choice weren't 100% behind the pastor's decision.

Enter Satan. He is called the accuser, is he not? Because many accusations were made. Gossiping and backbiting, that was not of God.

For me, it seems like it gets worse.

I've just received news from my best friend that he and his family will no longer be part of the church I attend. Being offended by others often, he's been consistently informed of by God that he is to remain there. Trust me, he's fought it a couple times, and he's lost, but it was God that wanted him to be obedient. Now, as of just a bit ago, he told me he won't be coming back. Not this time, unless God tells him otherwise. Too many times he's been offended by those that call themselves saints of God, and it hurts to see him and his family leave. I mean, he's still my friend, always will be, but it doesn't lessen the pain.

During this pastoral transition, at least 5 people have left, of them, 2 or more that proclaimed to be stand-up, God loving Christians. I can't help but look back at the message we heard at the youth rally we attended last month. The message there was about Nehemiah and the great work of rebuilding the wall. The preacher informed us that trouble will come, that there will be those that feel justified in their decision to leave, whether of themselves or of God, and lay down their tools and remove themselves from the heat and the unpleasantness that comes with such a work.

What were the other workers supposed to do? Follow suite? Nope. We were told to keep our heads down and not worry about that, not even look and watch what's happening, because that will distract us from the work we are doing. Personally, I find it difficult not to look, to see my friend that has been with me for about 2 years now decide that he should be elsewhere. Will I follow him? I can't say that I will.

My only choice is to keep myself focused on what God's doing. A new pastor means a new beginning, and it hurts to see people go because it feels like they are not giving him a chance, when in truth, it's being offended by fellow church members and should-be children of God that is driving them away. It's hard for me to believe that this division can be of God, when at times those that are leaving have better reputations amongst the saints than those that are causing them to leave. It feels like they are giving up on our church, and to me, that's nothing to take lightly.

I don't know who all is in the wrong (both sides at times, I would say, because humans are flawed), but I do know this: it has been a most difficult time for all of us, some more than others. To be apathetic is not an option for me, because I do care. It like watching your family get separated and there's nothing you can do about it, because nobody is willing to admit fault. I've heard it said that the offenders are "too big" to do that, that they don't expect it and won't be part of church that has people that do such things.

I find it hard to focus, to keep my eyes on God, because I see others picking up their tools and walking away, but focus I will, because I need to keep my eyes on God. If you are reading this, I ask to please keep us all in prayer.