Calvary Chapel’s been having some serious internal troubles resulting in lawsuits and estrangement between long-time ministry partners, not to mention taffy-pulls involving assets worth millions of dollars. Unfortunately these types of conflicts are common within Christian organizations, if not usually so high-profile or solvent. My concern is with accountability and Christian ethics in such situations. As a member of the Body of Christ it affects me as it affects all members of the Body. Would that those involved might have the courage to do the right things in resolution, and perhaps all might find something to learn from such a situation, so as to grow in responsibility and wisdom in dealings with others.
The following points are for examination, introspection, and discussion as anyone might be inclined:
1) How many of us ignore or fail to look into the questionable activity of our friends, because they are our friends? How far do even Christians go to defend even the indefensible behavior of their friends?
What sort of loyalty do we owe our friends? Certainly not an unquestioning loyalty, since that is reserved for God. Does not the context of loyalty to our friends dictate being a presence in their lives that helps them toward godly living, including loving confrontation when necessary?
(Awhile back I posted on the case of Ralph “Bucky” Phillips. His was an example, if heartrending, of a family who sheltered one of their own even in criminal behavior.)
If indeed Chuck Smith has now admitted error in ignoring signs of Kestler’s improprieties, I applaud him for that. Too little too late, perhaps, but better late than never. But still it's too bad. So often “little” problems we think we can overlook only grow with time and in the end may take down what we overlooked them to build, or take us down, or take someone else or something else down. Which may not be the end of the world, but damage requires restitution. If God is a God of justice, then damage requires restitution. It’s a closed system.
2) How many of us use certain of our friends against other friends, or family members, or whomever, for our own purposes?
Certainly we may avail ourselves of the help of friends, and offer help ourselves. That’s what friends are for. However, the goal must be the good of all involved, for the cause of Christ. No favoritism, not selfishness, no manipulation. (Following on #1)
3) How often do we betray friends instead of supporting them, when their personal interests conflict, or seem to conflict, with ours? If we all share the common interest of Christ, then our interests should converge and agree there (even if to agree to disagree, in charity). When we ignore or disparage the legitimate concerns of our friends, we betray them. And in the case of unrepentant sin, we betray our friends if we don’t hold them accountable.
4) How often to we jump to conclusions based on impression, stereotype, or ambition rather than actual facts, when judging the character or actions of others? Do we look into things to the depth that integrity requires, or do we see opportunism instead?
5) How can it be determined whether the maintenance of a structure is worth more than the abuses that may exist within it, when those responsible for oversight either ignore or refuse to redress them? Surely concerns over reputation and/or profit should not enter in to the decision as concerns for the dignity and honor of others do. We’ve got to be willing to lose our “world” in order to save what’s really worth saving...righteousness and integrity are worth far more than image and reputation, or comfort in earthly stasis.
If our true reputation is found in God, then it doesn’t matter whether we lose our earthly reputation for unjust reasons. But not many are willing to go to earthly ruin for the sake of integrity and righteousness. Likewise if God provides our increase, then we have little legitimate cause for worry about profit, or even sustainability. It’s tough, though, and worry over money is one of my own weaknesses. Not as bad as it used to be. But concern for the bottom line can never justify improper treatment of others.
6) Should we really be concerned with alienating people? Not on purpose, of course, but if speaking truth to righteousness and/or honoring the diversity of the Body of Christ alienates some people, that’s no cause to temper the message. Wave, smile, and wish them well.
One more area that concerns me is “Christian ambition;” something quite prevalent in the Body, it seems, and even a founding plank of the Godblogosphere. But I’ll talk about that in Part IV.
