AGGRESSION IN THE CHRISTIAN SPHERE

Aggression is a work of the flesh, Gal.5:20, a product of the old nature. When it characterises a believer’s interaction with fellow saints it is evidence of a Christian walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit, Gal.5:16. Such a believer appears to have no understanding of the fundamental truth that the flesh has been annulled in divine purpose, Rom.6:6, that it has no place in Christian relationships. How sad, therefore, when such carnality is manifest in the spiritual sphere.

The local gathering of believers, a New Testament church or assembly, is ideally the realm of heavenly conditions on earth, a spiritual environment, not one for the exercise of the flesh. Exceptionally though, allowance is made for fleshly lapses on the part of those young in the faith who are learning how to behave in the house of God. However, it is quite a different matter when mature believers, even supposed elders, exhibit carnal behaviour in the fellowship.

Taking the latter as an example, one might well ask how an apparent leader among the people of God can be recognised as an elder when he:

• displays hostility and intolerance toward those holding differing views to his own;
• shouts abuse at a brother ministering the scriptures;
• exhibits aggressive demeanour and speech in personal dealings with saints;
• makes unfounded accusations and scandalous remarks;
• behaves like a modern day Diotrephes, 3 John 9-11.

By no stretch of the imagination could such a man be considered an elder, indeed it would be obscene to make the connection.

Naturally aggressive men are rarely suited to overseer work.

It may seem incredible that such thuggish conduct could be perpetrated among God’s people but the reader should be in no doubt about the capabilities of the flesh.

Presiding brethren demonstrate their fitness for overseer work by displaying the fruit of the Spirit and the specific shepherd qualities of 1 Tim.3 and Titus 1, e.g. gentleness, good behaviour, not quick tempered, not violent.

No amount of bluster, posturing or networking can disguise a lack of overseer qualities in one who professes leadership. Such men are false shepherds.

It is particularly sad when elderly saints are subjected to such grotesque conduct and consequently feel compelled to retreat to a more tranquil environment.