And certainly, the non-Christian community – whether consciously or unconsciously – looks to the Church for moral integrity and righteousness. Has the Church of Malaysia lived up to this expectation?

As we reach the end of 2002, let us soul-search this question and take stock of our condition. What we are positively doing – for example, the growing unity among churches and our good works to society at large – should not just continue but intensify. At the same time, we must also consider the negative elements within our body that must be rid off to preserve our witness.

In this respect, we have observed a growing trend of Christians discrediting and disrupting the ministry of other Christians – often pastors and full-time workers or those actively in God’s service – through unethical and malicious acts. Instances of such acts, arising from personal conflicts or plain malice or envy, are:

• Releasing official and confidential documents and correspondences between conflicting parties within the church to the leaders of other faiths;
• Handing over recorded tapes of pastors’ sermons, which may have covered sensitive issues, to certain authorities with the intention of causing troubles to the pastors; and
• Divulging confidential and sensitive information relating to church management, leadership and relationships to certain authorities outside the church with the intention of disrupting the church’s operations.

Increasingly, church members are venting their frustrations over their pastors or leaders through scandalous acts, as in the case of a pastor who purportedly sent pornographic VCDs to several innocent church members. In truth, the VCDs were mailed by a disgruntled individual, who listed the pastor’s name as the sender.

Another popular tactic to discredit the reputation of Christian leaders these days is circulating ‘poison’ letters or e-mails alleging wrongdoings committed by the said leaders.

True, such practices are not new, but like the dizzying speed of change in the world today, they have also intensified to the extent that one can safely comment that the ‘Judas spirit’ – the spirit of betrayal – is well and alive. For do not such practices ultimately betray the body of Christ?

Why should we be alarmed at this situation?

Firstly, it shows that increasingly, Christians are disregarding God’s instructions as laid down in His Word. Where inter-personal conflicts are concerned, our Lord Jesus clearly gave the principle to follow in Matt. 18:15–17. Disputes are to be resolved within the conflicting parties within the church. But instead of heeding our Lord’s teaching, some Christians prefer to take their grievances to parties outside the Church.

This sends the message to the community that the Church is not able to mind its own affairs, or that its followers do not believe that the Church is able resolve their problems.

Secondly, these unscrupulous acts imply that Christians are increasingly absorbing carnal and worldly ways into their behaviour and lifestyle. Instead of influencing the world to good, we are being lured into its ways.

Such practices cause confusion and disarray to the body of Christ, tarnish the Church’s reputation, and worse, taint the sacred name of our Lord.

Sadly, some churches remain passive when faced with members who are hurting the ministry of other Christians. Pastors and church leaders are often caught in a dilemma, not knowing the best course of action. Such cases call for discernment and wisdom in knowing the right thing to do. And the courage to do it.

Firm discipline combined with love and a genuine concern for the wrongdoers, meted out at the beginning of the wrongdoing, will help to ‘nip the problem at its bud’ before it takes root. If there is no sign of repentance after exhaustive counselling has been done, the church should apply the biblical method of discipline, by following, for example, the case in 1 Cor. 5.

Arresting the rot is not only the responsibility of the leadership, but also the obligation of individual Christians. Simple measures, such as trashing the slander or refuting the allegation if you know it is untrue, will discourage further growth.

Not all scandals or accusations are baseless, though. But as members of the body of Christ, let us conduct matters in the biblical way that will ultimately glorify God.

When our house is in order, people will open their hearts to our gospel.