People being people

Recently, I drove past a church that has been active in our community for many years. I noticed that even though it was time for the regular Sunday service, the number of cars in the parking lot was about half of what it was several years ago.

I'd overheard some rumors but I'd not passed them along.
Tales of church members disagreeing on community programs. Buses for bringing children to Sunday School and Wednesday evening activities. Thanksgiving care packages for the jobless in the homes nearby. Rumpled feelings, resentment, and speaking behind individuals' backs. Not the kind of thing that you want to hear about the body of Christ.
But I didn't realize just how it had affected the church until I drove past and saw that their attendance had been cut in half.

As I was thinking about it, I realized that it was probably due to the fact that people were behaving like people.
Not like believers.
So disappointing.
Can you imagine how disappointing it was for Paul to hear of just this kind of thing happening in the churches that he had helped to organize?
Here's an example:

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. (I Corinthians 1:10-11)

He had to give a pep talk to the Ephesians, too:

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; (Ephesians 4:1-4)

He hoped for all of the believers to do this:

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. (II Corinthians 13:11)

People will act like people.
But they are supposed to act like believers.
Maybe an instructional course should be mandatory? (Grin)
If we had a "Believer's Behavior 101" what would be included?
I think it's important to look at this - not only is it necessary to show believer's behavior in church settings, but it's needed in our families, too.
I believe the Spirit is guiding us to study this concept this week.
I hope you will join me!