ARE YOU DOING YOUR PART?

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same
office; so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members
one of another. Rom 12: 4-5.

     Unfortunately, whenever we explore the issue of abuse be it physical, sexual, and or emotional the one comment that frequently surfaces has to do with the church, and her involvement in this issue.  Specifically, there are some people who feel that the church is not doing enough to combat domestic violence, and they sometimes even accuse the church of covering up or condoning abuse. However, I submit to you that the Church does speak out against domestic violence, encourages support to the sick, and is concerned about humanity. Just read the Bible. 

    First, what do people mean when they use the term “the church?” Well many times when people use this term they are referring to their limited experiences, be they good or bad, with a particular body of believers.  While it may be true that there are some individuals within houses of worship who practice and even condone abuse, we submit to you that they are not the "Church". On the contrary, the "church" is not limited to an individual body of organized believers, but it is the spiritual Body of Christ, and includes people from all across the globe. 

    But in reality, the "Body of Christ" consists of many different types of people, each one possessing a gift that was designed by God for the edification of the entire "Body" so that everyone within it would be able to profit. In looking at the organization of the "Body of Christ" we understand that God has placed Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists, and Pastors within His church for the "equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, and for the edifying of the" Body of Christ. Yet, God did not just stop there, He also gave His church many other gifts to include the gift of Administration and the Ministry of Helps. In fact, God has given His "Body" everything it needs to sustain it self, with each office designed to fulfill a specific responsibility. So, you cannot just rely on one or two spiritual offices to perform the job of the entire Body of Christ. Listen; after you have been "edified" by the Word of God coming from your pastor on Sunday, what are you doing with what you heard? Are you speaking up and making a difference?

    Are you living up to your Godly potential or are you sitting around complaining about what others are not doing? If you see an area within the "Body of Christ" in which there is a lack, maybe it is there because people like you have chosen not to make a difference. Is the church supportive or unsupportive of victims of abuse or the many other social ills in this world? If you are supportive and are in the "Body of Christ" then the answer to that question is yes. Does the church speak out against abuse? Again, are you speaking out? 

    In summary, are there people within the various houses of worship who want to look the other way, and pretend as if abuse does not happen? Are there Pastors, Teachers, Prophets, and Apostles beating their spouses on Saturday and preaching on Sunday? Yes, there are, but that does not stop the power of God. In the Old Testament, it was the job of the prophets to "cry aloud against sin." I would imagine that some of the people they spoke to obeyed and some did not. However, the prophets were undaunted by the response that they received from the people. Instead, these men and women of God continued to declare their message and to speak what God had given them.

    Well, just as in the days of the Old Testament God is looking for people to champion causes that are important to Him. Unfortunately, many people today prefer to sit on the sidelines of life and complain or focus on their own selfish agendas, as opposed to focusing on those issues that are important to God and His people.

    It is not the will of God for any person to be abused or used, and if God has anointed you to be an advocate in this area then you have a responsibility to "cry aloud and spare not." So as a minister of reconciliation, (which all believers are) you have a responsibility to pray and look for opportunities to be an advocate in this area. It is not the job of the Pastor to take on the sole responsibility for this issue.

    Some of you will say, well I am in a church but the Pastor does not seem to be interested in this subject so there is really nothing I can do. That is not true. Remember, prayer is one of the most powerful weapons that we have. Prayer will open doors and change hearts. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes a while for new ideas to catch on and for old ideas to die, but we must be persistent and prayerful. Prayer will usher in the spirit of wisdom and direction.

    When it comes to the issue of abuse you must pray and act. If you know that someone is being abused do not look the other way, if you do nothing else call the police.  In the meantime, support ministries and people who are being used by God is this area. God Bless IGBATTMHO

 For more information or to find out what you can do, please contact the following: Survivors Voice

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Mailing Address: IGBATTMHO P.O. Box 7432 Silver Spring, MD 20910

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