Hi Brothers and Sisters,
We read (and sometimes feel) that the periods of strife here in the Forum from time to time should not be happening and it is all too frustrating to bear for some of us. I am wondering if that truly is the case, have you considered just maybe it is all part of God's grand design, plan and suits His purpose.
[Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father and the daughter against her mother and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.]
In perusing most every post here I sometimes come across the sentiment within some posts that we as "likeminded" believers should be able to communicate without disagreement or differences and when these things do happen some of us have a tendency to withdraw from participating or even decide it is time to move on, but move on where? Where is the place in this present time that no discord ever is present? After all what does "likeminded" really mean? Is it agreeing with each other 100% of the time? If that was the case there would be no reason to ever use that word, as like minded believers we are persuing a better relationship with God as well as our brethren, to be able to deal with each other in faith, patience and longsuffering, the goal is what makes us likeminded not how we presently understand everything. I believe if we search the scriptures we see that wherever faith is displayed or there are people who seek to know God and strive for His wisdom Satan will appear in an attempt to spoil, divide and sow disharmony.
[Mat 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
Mat 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Mat 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
Most all of us are here because we were fascinated by the articles on Bible Truths, they spoke to our spirit, encouraging us and freeing us from so much of the bondage to and of Babylon, we came here with high expectations of a peaceful oasis with one big happy family. But where on this earth does "one big family" actually exist? If we look to our own families, our own flesh and blood, people we grew up with, speak with face to face, experience good times and endure difficult times together in person. Do we always see eye to eye even with them? Should we think communicating with our spiritual Brothers and Sisters be any easier? Can we reasonably expect this to be accomplished without any need for understanding, patience, long suffering on our own part?
When we feel we have been slighted, ignored or unfairly criticized does it build us up spiritually if we seek understanding before we become disillusioned or even angry? In the best case scenarios I believe we do actually attempt this with our own flesh and blood families.
Please forgive me if I sound as if I am preaching, I am writing this because I too have stumbled in this regard, many of you are far ahead of me in patience and empathy for our brethren. Also please do not jump to the conclusion that I think that being a part of this Forum has any bearing on someone's elect status, it does not, that is totally under God's control.
My point is that the problems we encounter from time to time can actually be a blessing if we strive to seek His will and wisdom when we feel our beast healing or our old (carnal) man springing into action in frustration and anger.
We will all learn this eventually, in this age or the next, let's all pray to obtain His Spiritual fruits as we experience these challenges and tribulations.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe