“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬ ‭

We want a happy church, God wants a holy church.

If no one rocks the boat, and we don’t make a super big deal out of things that aren’t right then we can have a happy church…

This concept falls on the leaders first. Hearing from God about the firm and gentle work of shepherding the sheep must first come to the saints who are leaders and called to guard them for the chief shepherd. Of course we must use timing and tact and love and all the other reasons why we don’t obey…but at the end of the day we will either be committed to a holy church or we will be resting in the silence of accommodating to Satan.

Oh leader, how do you not know that Satan plants wolves among the sheep, Acts 21? And if you will not address them as to their qualities they will spread destruction among the flock? And so that quiet happy church that has everyone getting along more or less is actually the most disgusting thing to all of heaven, and you are culpable?

The beautiful bride will not be automatic. Swatting flies all day is no fun for nobody. And the flack the leader takes for making a stand on holiness will draw the enemy arrows. “Sit down, shut up, don’t rock the boat. Who do you think you are? You’re not perfect either. That wasn’t a loving thing to say. What about grace?” And other phrases used by wolves to protect themselves among the sheep. Kick them out. The church that is left after they leave will be worth it to God, and no longer under his judgment, and neither will you be.

“But they are pillars in the church!” Then they should act like pillars in the holy temple, else they are ditches placed to trap the saints. You deal with them before God deals with you for leaving them in place.

It is time to treat the house of God the way it is: His house. Build rightly or quit and get out of the way.