Everyone…is a flawed human being still in need of redemption. No one around you has a completely pure heart. No one is totally free of sinful thoughts, desires, cravings, or motives. No one always says the right thing. No one always makes the right choices. No one is always noble in his intentions. No one is free from acts of selfishness or self-aggrandizement. No one is completely loyal. No one always has your back.
Because of this, relationships in the body of Christ are messy and unpredictable.
They are the places where we experience some of our most gratifying joys and heart-wrenching pains. It is godly and responsible to be afraid of how sin can create power struggles, divisive ally groups, critical and judgmental attitudes, self-centered complaining, disloyalty, and ultimately division.
Question for Reflection
- How have you grown from relationships with flawed people?
Resources
Paul David Tripp, Dangerous Calling, Confronting the unique challenges of pastoral ministry, 127-28.
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