Enjoy a satirical post about unity in the church and see if you can relate to dealing with this kind of thinking among some Christians:
 
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, “14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.”
📜📜📜 PAUL SAID :
 
14a Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter.
 
🚩🚩🚩 MODERN CHURCH SAYS:
 
– Unless they have good reasons to not listen to the elders in charge, then give them all the sloppy agape and greasy grace they need
 
– Only note those who disobey the instructions about doctrine- avoid getting into their lives (if they affirm a creed, then leave them alone, after all “no one is perfect”)
 
– And/or only note those who disobey instructions regarding their character, but if they are heretical in their doctrine be quick to say in their defense, “They’re great people and nice to be around.”
 
– Don’t expect everyone to follow the elder’s instructions (that’s what “cults” do)- if you get 10-20% of the congregation doing it- consider it a “win”
 
 
📜📜📜 PAUL SAID:
 
14b Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.
 
🚩🚩🚩 MODERN CHURCH SAYS:
 
– Shame is never of God, just tell the disobedient how much Jesus loves them and wants to snuggle with them when they get to heaven
 
– Pretend disobedient disciples in the church are awesome, and should remain as volunteers (because you can never have enough). Only cults expect their churches to believe and act in unity
 
– Get offended by the elders (or any disciple) who avoid close relationships with disobedient disciples (or hold them back from ministry or sit them down from the worship team for a season) because Jesus is only about love and acceptance
 
_____________________________
 
📜📜📜 PAUL SAID:
 
15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.
 
🚩🚩🚩 MODERN CHURCH SAYS:
 
– Finally something we take at face value, amen Paul we love people in disobedience no matter what! 🙂
 
– Opps, did you say something about “warn them?” Or did you mean to say, “tickle their ears?”