5 Smooth Stones

responsibility to God to watch over our souls, and when they do not execute this duty faithfully and righteously, the consequences can be devastating. Hebrews 13:17 “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unpro fi table for you.” When it comes to dealing with issues that are not of a personal nature, or involving leadership issues, then there is a di ff erent order, with the issue being brought before multiple witnesses in the initial declaration of a problem. 1 Timothy 5:19 “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” There is a reason why when an issue involves leadership issues that it should initially be brought before witnesses. This is to protect the fl ock from the possibility of a cover-up of sin by a guilty leader, and also to protect an innocent leader from unnecessary or harassing accusations. There is a high standard for those in leadership and with more authority comes more responsibility and a stricter judgment.James 3:1 “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” Yet we have seen examples in the Church where a leader was guilty of some sin, and a well-meaning believer came to that leader alone and the leader, while feigning repentance, continued in their sin. It may have been much longer before the ma tt er became known and much more damage occurred that could have been avoided if the issue had been handled according to the word of God. By going before the leadership, not only is the leader in question protected from unnecessary accusations, but if there is truth to an accusation, then the proper remedy can be administered and the leader can receive the correction and restoration needed, if found to be necessary. Again, in this situation, if repentance is not forthcoming or restoration not possible, then the church can be noti fi ed or warned, and future damage or hurt may be mitigated. 1 Corinthians 11:31 “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.” For many years the fastest growing segment of Christianity globally has been the Non-denominational, Charismatic, and Pentecostal churches. Yet in many cases the support and oversight which was available within denominational churches, and even state churches, has been missing. Often great “revelations” and new teachings were released without being tried or 189