THROWING STONES
Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people contended with Moses, and said, "Give us water, that we may drink." And Moses said to them, "Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?" And the people thirsted there for water, and the people murmured against Moses, and said, "Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?"  Exodus 17.1-3

I have some dear friends who are devote catholics. While we disagree on some really important issues, issues that may affect even matters of salvation, I know that at other times they are right on. When a pastor we knew came under attack our friends commented that it was wrong to attack the pastor and that people should be careful of how they treat those who serve in leadership to the body of Christ. 

I have to admit that I agree with them on that one! How easy is it to see the negative. I've got 20/20 vision for the negatives. And how quickly I neglect all the scriptural injunctions to live at peace with and to love one another. Specific commands to not divide the Church and to bear with one another, to not think more highly of others than ourselves are a real reminders from God Himself, to take it very, very slow when coming against church leadership.

Yet, driven by my own pride, I often neglect these commands and, wrapped in the pretentious garb of moral and spiritual integrity, I dismiss God's way and do what I want instead. The results are often immediate, devastating, and heart breaking. When faced with these sorts of conditions I need to be sure to seriously pray about the issue and seek council. 

Pray for your leaders. They are the shepherds and come under a more severe judgement for what they teach and how they manage their responsibilities. If someone comes with a complaint do not hear it; direct them to handle it in a scriptural manner.  Remember do not judge the folks personally, for we fight not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers. Pray for one another. Also remember the old adage, "There but for the grace of God go I."

Do not tempt the Lord by attacking your leaders because God does not look on it favorably, guard against being driven by passions or a hobby horse. Wait upon the Lord, we often move faster than we ought when we are driven by our passions. I know this from personal experience. You, dear reader, can do better!