A Better Attitude
Toward Local Churches
by Warren E. Berkley
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
People who suffer with a disagreeable and cynical attitude generally take
that disposition with them wherever they go. Some bring it to the church
building!

Have you noticed, some folks who visit an assembly of a local church for
the first time, seem to walk in the door whining? They didn't have good
directions and the building was hard to find. They want to know why the
building is half empty and there are no kids the same age as their kids.
The song leader isn't very good. The preacher is not as exciting as they
prefer and, of course, the people were not friendly.

All of this grumbling comes before they get to know the people. These
troublesome judgments seem to come forth about the time they walk in the
door, and before they have taken the time to become acquainted with the
work their brothers and sisters are attempting to do. 

This is more than just annoying. This kind of behavior is immature,
offers no good will or encouragement to the local disciples, teaches
children to be complainers and breeds a spirit of self-absorption,
complacency and self-righteousness. 

There is a better attitude! 

This better attitude begins with humility. Do not assume that you know so
much about a group of people, after you've "known them" for a total of 30
minutes! There may be all sorts of facts, circumstances, history and
unseen conditions you know nothing about. Instead of thinking primarily
of your comfort, your preferences and your needs - "Let each of you look
out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of
others," (Phil. 2:4).

The better attitude is based on a conscious, individual decision to "do
all things without murmuring and disputing," (Phil. 2:14). In the first
place, the spirit that constantly complains and grumbles is not pleasing
to the Lord. In the second place, if there are real problems, they are
not solved by this irksome behavior. 

The better attitude rejoices in truth (1 Cor. 13:6). What is good and
right should be commended. John expressed this attitude when he wrote, "I
rejoiced greatly that I found some of your children walking in truth, as
we have received commandment from the Father," (2 Jno. 4).

The better attitude is cautious to avoid partiality. Some of our quick
judgments reflect personal prejudice or favoritism. What James deals with
in James two (Jas. 2:1-13) concerns one who "comes into your assembly,"
and the prejudicial attitudes toward the poor man. The principle taught
in the text would also apply when one who comes in is guilty of the same
attitude. "Have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become
judges with evil thoughts?" (Jas. 2:4). That question is probing for
anyone showing partiality anywhere!

The better attitude says: "I'm here to participate, to help and to
encourage everybody who is involved in the work of the Lord!" The better
attitude is not blind to problems, but seeks to participate in a solution
to problems in a godly way. The better attitude does not demand
perfection, but will share in scriptural efforts to move in that
direction.

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do
be done with love," (1 Cor. 16:13,14).