Question:
If Christians are supposed to be examples to sinners, why are there so many problems in the churches…members, pastors, etc. not getting along; some starting their own churches, wanting to be in charge; pastors taking all the money for themselves? Why are they acting that way?
Answer:
From the beginning of the church, it has been attacked by Satan. Paul said in Acts 20:29, 30: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” This shows that some from outside the church (“wolves”) would attack them, and also some from within (“also of your own selves”) would attack them. Satan’s desire is to dishonor the Lord and he often seeks to do it among those that profess to be Christians. This gives the world the wrong impression about the Lord. Some, like Diotrephes in 3 John 9, love to dominate the Lord’s people. Some love to have a following, and some greedily seek after money (read 1 Timothy 3:2, 3). We need to read God’s Word so that we can discern what is proper and what honors the Lord, then follow after those things that honor Him.