Morning Moments

1 Timothy 5:19 (KJV)
1Ti 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

Context always determines whether the term "elder" is in reference only to "pastors" or to the older ones in general. Our text today is "pastors, elders, shepherds, bishops, presbyters, or overseers". Peter in writing to the "elders", tells them to "take oversight" (overseer or bishop) and to feed (shepherd, pastor) the flock of God over which GOD has made the overseers.

We are never to receive an accusation against an "elder" without two or three witnesses. In other words, when you speak ill of your pastor, your words need to be witnessed and reported. Come to me with an open Bible or do not come to me with an accusation. Satan is an accuser of the brethren day and night and you are representing him if you violate this directive.

If a pastor is immoral, of course it is not "witnessed" by two or three people, but if it is "reported", you had better have two or three witnesses to your report. The same is true regarding ANY accusation against an "elder". This stops gossip and slander! If we would only obey the Word of God we would eliminate so much trash in the church that becomes open to the world. Immorality and doctrinal impurity is always to be dealt in the proper manner. This is another one of those "ounces of prevention that is better than a pound of cure."

It should be our practice when someone wants to "share" something against the pastor, to first of all get a couple of witnesses to the "rumor" and take that person directly to the accused for confrontation. Most "Christians" will lie about what they said, sadly enough. "Oh, I didn't mean - bla, bla, bla." If you tell me, you had better be willing to tell the elder you are accusing. END OF STORY.

I sat with a Director of Missions and a Chaplain friend of mine at lunch one day. He reported that another pastor friend of mine said from the pulpit that he approved of social drinking. I suggested that he go with me to confront the brother. He would not because he was not the one who witnessed it. I went to the pastor and told him what was said and who said it. He has said in reference to "doubtful things" that he had to pastor those who indulged and those who did not indulge. That was his statement and it had been distorted to make it appear as if he approved.

He was an accuser of the brethren, just as surely as the devil is. In the same conversation, he said the association wanted to start a "black church" in the area. My response was, "That is racist". All are welcome where I pastor regardless of the race, sex, culture or whatever. My chaplain friend with me was a brother of color. GOD'S WILL, GOD'S WAY is the only thing I am interested in - that's my story and I am sticking to it if I never get invited to preach anywhere. It is high time we stuck to the Word and eliminate the politics, prejudice, and personal attacks.

DO NOT RECEIVE AN ACCUSATION AGAINST YOUR PASTOR UNLESS THE ABOVE PROCEDURE IS FOLLOWED.

One more thing in this regard. I had a woman come forward in a service once and ask for my forgiveness. She proceeded to tell me what she had said, to which I responded, "STOP! Do not tell me what you said, because it may place a wedge between you and me. Go to the person you told and ask for forgiveness and DON'T DO IT AGAIN!

Paul's letter is so practical AND so relevant. Let's just do it! Maybe Jesus had this in mind when He spoke of giving account for every idle word.

Blessings!