Discord – I have seen discord take place in church. It usually happens when an individual isn’t fully dedicated to their own spiritual walk and wants to remain in a place they are comfortable with. They aren’t willing to learn. They don’t support the vision of the church because it makes them uncomfortable and the next thing you know DISCORD is born. Discord does not belong in the church. In fact God was stern about people who cause discord. Galatians 5:19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Discord is born from a persons flesh. They become more interested in what they want instead of what God wants. That is why the bible says we must die to our flesh on a daily basis.
Dishonor – This one is easy. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. If you are dishonoring others you do not have love and God is love. That’s a scary place to be!
Division – Division is much like discord but is more precise in the meaning. A church should be running on one vision (the great commission). When people start to break away from that vision and start looking at their own legalistic, denominational barriers that are the main purpose for churches closing their doors then DIVISION is created. Division simply means two visions. A church with a double vision will never be able to view or attain their goals.
Disbelief – I don’t want to confuse people on this one. It is great to have people in the church with disbelief. I mean it is the churches job to reach the unbelievers, right? But I am talking about a different kind of disbelief. When a leader of your church does not believe in the vision, future, direction, plan, goals, etc. of the church you will start to see a virus spread. Disbelief of one key person can cause others in the church to fall off the bandwagon and become fair-weather fans within your church. They will only be supportive during the times of celebration but never during the preparations it takes to have success.
Stand up for your church! Either you’re in and are being part of a single vision to reach the world, or you’re sitting out complaining about the direction and waiting to bask in the glory of an accomplishment that you had nothing to do with in the first place. Quit playing church! Be the church. Don’t let these “D” words wreck your life. Yes I said your life, because God’s vision for the church will REmain but the person who is being any of the “D” words will wreck their own life and never find fulfillment searching many different places for a passive leader who don’t mind to be double visioned.
Aaron
Faith Outside the Box 