Discord

Paul and Barnabas have a falling out, a row. They go their separate ways. However, we might say that the Lord meant it for good; two missionary expeditions took place instead of one. All discord has its origin in sin. Were we not "men of unclean lips" living among a world of men of unclean lips, there would be no trouble. The secret to harmony and peace is Christlikeness. To those who wish to separate from a congregation, they do well to heed the advice of Calvin and others; don't leave at the drop of a hat. Explore every avenue, reason with the people, and pray hard. Leaving a church because of some offence is easy. It is like having a weight removed from your shoulders. But the Christian life isn't meant to be easy. We must take up our cross daily, and this includes confronting our troubles and working through them.