WHO DECIDES?
When there is dispute among faithful brethren who decides who is right or wrong? There was a problem in Corinth with brethren going to law with brethren. A question was raised for the brethren to consider. “Are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” (I Corinthians 6:2). These matters were defined as “smallest matters”. We would say, trivial matters. They are further shown to be things that pertain to this life (verse 4). The solution was not to go before the world but rather have brethren within the local body at Corinth to pass judgment.
On occasions it is not trivial matters dealing with money or property as in I Corinthians 6 but situations where brethren hurt one another’s feelings. Two Christian women in Philippi were having trouble with each other. God, through inspiration, encouraged Euodias and Syntyche to be of the same mind (Philippians 4:2). We are not told what their problem was, only the solution. They were to get together and come to an agreement of the mind.
The elders are to oversee the flock (Acts 20:28). Part of that responsibility is to rule over God’s people (Hebrews 13:7). As followers of the Lord we are to obey them that have that rule over us (verse 17). Hence, if the attitude is right elders could serve as those who would help solve problems between brethren. The safeguard built in by God is that the elders were to always know that the church is God’s heritage (I Peter 5:3). Their decisions then should always be what is best for the church. They could not allow money or friendship or anything else to interfere with their handing down of judgments.
What about when it is not in a local setting but rather it is among brethren within the brotherhood? It is enjoined on all of us as Christians to “...love the brotherhood” (I Peter 2:17). Difficulties can fall into one of two areas; it can brought about because there is a doctrinal problem or it can come about because it falls into an area of judgment. If it is doctrinal then every effort should be made by those involved to get the wayward brother to repent (Titus 3:10). If he refuses to cease his false teaching, then he should be marked and avoided by faithful brethren everywhere (Romans 16:17).
Since our headquarters are in heaven, then it would be up to each group of faithful brethren to avoid this brother who refuses to cease his teaching of false doctrine. What then about matters of judgment? The foundation which should motivate us all is that we love the brotherhood. I am bound by Christ to present my body as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). This living sacrifice means that I place myself on the “altar” of daily living. We should desire that men would see the way we live our lives and, thereby, give glory to God (Matthew 5:16).
God commands us to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13:1). The laws of the land forbid us to be involved in either slander or libel. We are not free to write or say anything which is wrong just because we do not feel someone can sue us at law. There should be a higher law at work. It is the law of Christ working in our hearts (Galatians 6:2). Why should any of us go out of our way to destroy a fellow Christian? If we were in a court of law, would a jury of our peers find us guilty because of what we said or wrote? If the possibility of guilt is present should not we avoid the very appearance of evil? (I Thessalonians 5:22).
Back to the idea we are discussing. Who then should decide? In these matters which affect the whole of the brotherhood through brotherhood publications, bulletins, e-mails or private conversations, does it not fall back on the heart of each individual Christian? Each one of us deciding to take the high road and serve Christ by what we write or what we say.