Resolving Internal Church Strife and Managing Labor

Conflict and opposition within the church arise when individuals lose sight of the Spirit of Christ and yield to a spirit of strife, which is an agent of the enemy used to weaken God's people4MR 291.1+1. This internal struggle is not a new phenomenon; it has existed since the beginning of history and is a manifestation of the enmity between the seed of the serpent and the followers of Christ Genesis 3:15PP 77.1.

The Source of Internal Strife

When church members attack those serving the Lord, it is often because they are not under the controlling influence of the Spirit of GodLS 328.2+1. This behavior stems from several root causes:

• Unconverted Dispositions: Many carry selfish, unconverted traits into the church, causing them to engage in envy and contentionRH December 13, 1906, par. 13+1.

• A Spirit of Supremacy: A desire for position and promotion creates a different spiritual atmosphere that hinders the work of GodPH014 14.3+1.

• Disregard for Christ’s Methods: Ignoring Christ’s specific directions on how to deal with the erring lead to contention and a tendency to look for motes in a brother's eye while ignoring the beam in one's own eye Matthew 7:3-515MR 169.2.

• Carnality: Envying, strife, and divisions are clear indicators that a person is walking as a carnal man rather than a spiritual one 1 Corinthians 3:3ST January 18, 1883, par. 19.

The Impact of Opposition

The spirit of strife is spreading and abounds in every place, poisoning the moral atmosphere8T 249.1. Within the church, this causes:

• Weakened Influence: Division among the people of God weakens their collective influence for good on the world4MR 291.1.

• Loss of Blessing: When hearts are filled with selfishness and tempers are heated by contention, believers cannot receive the great blessings God intends to bestow6MR 24.2.

• Grieving the Holy Spirit: Dissension and a lack of courtesy toward one another grieve the Holy Spirit and put Christ to open shameRH December 13, 1906, par. 13+1.

The Remedy for Reformation

The time has come for a thorough reformation to take place within the churchChS 42.1. This involves:

• A Spirit of Prayer: When true reformation begins, a spirit of intercession will actuate every believer and banish discord and strifeChS 42.1+1.

• Lowliness of Mind: Believers must follow the counsel to do nothing through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind to esteem others better than themselves Philippians 2:34T 20.1+1.

• Focusing on Jesus: By beholding the love and perfection of Christ rather than dwelling on the faults of others, believers are changed into His holy imageMH 492.2.

• Unity and Cooperation: Strength is found in harmony of cooperation; therefore, every member should work in right lines to move in unison with the Holy Spirit5LtMs, Lt 55, 1888, par. 17+1.

The Lord will eventually bring to naught the counsels of those who feel mighty in their own strength and criticize His workLS 328.2+1. While evil angels contest every step of advance, the faithful are encouraged to stand in vindication of the righteousness of God's law, knowing that every martyr and faithful witness for Jesus dies a conqueror Revelation 12:11PP 77.1+1.

It is appropriate and necessary to provide a just wage for labor performed for the cause of God, including the maintenance of church property, as the laborer is worthy of his reward 1 Timothy 5:18AA 336.2.

The Principle of Just Compensation

Providing financial support for those who perform necessary services for the church is a divine mandate.

• Divine Ordination: The Lord has ordained that those who minister and labor in spiritual and temporal capacities for the gospel should be sustained by the means of the church 1 Corinthians 15:58AA 336.2.

• Averting Fraud: Withholding the rightful hire of laborers is a serious offense, and those enlightened by the Spirit must not grind servants down to the lowest price James 5:4GW92 201.2.

• Adequate Support: Those who devote their time to the work of the Master should not lack the necessities of life but should be enabled to live comfortablySW January 15, 1907, par. 15.

• Historical Precedent: In the biblical economy, the tribe of Levi was specifically set apart for the sacred offices of the temple and was supported by the tithes of their brethren Hebrews 7:5TT 177.4+1.

Stewardship and Church Maintenance

The physical upkeep of church property is an essential part of a complete Christian education and institutional health.

• Keeping Order: It is a duty to watch for repairs that need to be made and to keep the fixtures of the farm or home—and by extension the church—in proper shapePCO 104.1.

• Preserving Property: Provisions must be made for the constant wear and tear of facilities, including repairs to roofs and woodwork, to ensure the preservation of the buildingCAOI 4.4.

• Health and Safety: Maintaining the grounds and keeping equipment in good repair is necessary so that lives are not imperiled and healthy results followPCO 121.6+1.

• Budgeting for Help: It is recognized that a large amount of work often requires hired help to prevent those in charge from breaking their constitutions through overwork2SM 429.2+2.

Avoiding Extremes in Labor Relations

While paying for labor is right, the spirit in which it is managed must be Christlike.

• Kindness to Help: Church members must respect hired help, treating them considerately and manifesting acts of courtesySA 155.1.

• Spiritual Opportunity: Employers must give their hired help a decent chance to serve God, ensuring that "work, work, hurry, hurry" does not rob them of the opportunity to prayRH April 15, 1858, par. 8+1.

• Sabbath Rest: The command of God requires that the manservant, the maidservant, and even the beasts of burden like the ox and the ass be allowed to rest on the Sabbath day Exodus 23:12+1SBD Ox.2.

• Fidelity in Service: Those employed to labor are under a reciprocal obligation to be diligent in their business and to make themselves truly of service to their employersHHTL 346.4+1.