YouVersion

Man, it seems every crowd has the nay-sayers, those that are just set on perverting the truth and leading others astray. I think about how in the body of Christ, this happens all the time. There are always those that seem to stir up dissension in the body, causing folks to discredit authority, distrust leadership, harbor offense toward other believers, or believe something ridiculous. It's just poison. And how quickly it spreads. One person thinks the pastor is doing a crappy job in this area or one person thinks the church ought to do this...let the fun begin! They tell somebody else and the heart tainting is in full swing. Sadly, this junk ls what leads to church splits, strife within the body, factions, cliques (all those words just made me want to puke.) But it happens quickly and easily. Gossip and lies spread like wildfire. Hearts are turned so fast it's like cancer ravaging a body. God, help us as the church to pray for those in authority, to purpose in our hearts to keep them pure and untainted from the offense of someone else, to redirect our minds and resist negative thoughts, to steer clear (and shut down) conversation that tears down someone else. Help us look more like...well, You.