Scriptural Reference:
"For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognised among you."
1 Corinthians 11:18-19

" If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked."
Proverbs 29:12

"Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the Lord. Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord."
Jeremiah 23:1-4

" Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood."
Acts 20:28

" A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days."
Proverbs 28:16

Reflection: The more things change the more things stay the same. We can read how people became difficult within the church in the New Testament. The leaders who were entrusted to lead and management the followers of the way in some cases ended up becoming divisive. In 1 Corinthians 11:18-19 Paul is writing to the Corinthians expressing his disappointment that there were those who created trouble and division. Paul reminds both the Corinthians and even us that we need to look to the leaders who are doing the right thing.

As we reflect on this problem within the church both than and now. We can understand how some well intended leaders can be lead astray after listening to falsehoods and works on them without regard to the victim. People are not immune to believing lies. But they do need to seek a balanced range of opinions. Otherwise they will end up in the dilemma as mentioned in Proverbs 29:12. Where a minister or elder acts upon false information and than shows they agree with it the rest of the congregation will fall into line. They too will start acting on the same falsehood. In some cases ostracising people who had done no wrong.

That is a consideration for someone in a leadership role that has made the mistake of believing a lie and than following through with acting on it. Yet someone who has their self protection and self promotion at the heart of their ministry; it becomes a thorn in the flesh of the congregation and the churches ability to reach out to the community. As we read Jeremiah 23:1-4 we see that bad management of the congregation can lead people to either be forced to leave or choose to leave. Jesus the Christ stated that He will make sure difficult and divisive leader accountable for the damage they have done. How or why do such people become damaging? When someone believes they should have the pre-eminence over others and become a minister; their attitudes develop to accommodate their desires. Their self-love and power surfaces in language and conduct. An example of this can be seen and heard when they mention just how wonderful it is that they are now in charge. Than when his attitude centres on this appraisal of himself. “Pride goeth before destruction.” They can, and mostly do, become arrogant in his dealings with others when self importance is locked in their heart. Their attitudes will change toward those who stand in his way. I personally know just how anyone who stands in their way will get attacked.

A preacher whose self-importance boils over into his preaching will develop a bad attitude toward gospel preaching. Although they will try and stay within acceptable doctrine they can stray in small ways. Especially in areas that may conflict with their own personal objectives. He will conclude that the wisdom of this world that agrees with their personal opinions and agendas will become much more desirable than the simple word of God. The plain gospel will not permit the glory upon self as will worldly wisdom.

Lastly, though not necessarily all inclusive, any leader in a church who lacks empathy as mentioned in Proverbs 28:16 will not be able to care for and compassionately lead the church they are given charge of. One of the narcissists downfall is that they will always consider and view every event and conversation with regard to how it may or may not impact their position. As mentioned I have met several ministers and reverends that have such a self centred opinion and view of themselves. These people constantly listen to people with the inner paranoia that keeps them constantly on guard They find it difficult to actually feel any empathy and compassion for others as it becomes impossible for them to connect with others.

What than can we do if we find ourselves being attacked and insulted? It comes down to simply leaving and looking for another church. Leaving will be painful but our spiritual health is more important than fighting those who have chosen to be difficult. Just walk away and seek the true word of God and the true fellowship of believers.

Prayer:
Lord, I pray to you,
Seeking guidance,
Seeking reassurance,
Seeking comfort.

I have found myself,
Attacked without cause,
Insulted by discredited,
Belittled and damaged.

I pray that you will,
Lead me to a fellowship,
Founded on your word,
Among true believers.
Amen