Opposition from outside has never been the greatest threat to the health of a church. In fact, persecution has often increased the church's zeal for the Lord.

The greatest danger to any congregation is disunity from within. Disunity in a congregation can cause the outreach efforts of the church to become minimal or non-existent, as leaders are forced to focus their time and resources solving internal problems.

If a conflict becomes heated, it may even cause some to leave a church. If a church loses half its members as a result of a sinful conflict, finances will be affected, and a downward spiral of recrimination can begin that may destroy the church.

The ironic thing about this is that most of the internal conflicts that occur in churches are not about substantial issues, such as doctrine or practice. Instead, differences of opinion on minor issues are often the root cause of division.

These conflicts are almost always caused by pride, usually combined with envy, jealousy, or a desire for control. Some people believe their ideas are superior to anyone else's. Pride causes them to say and do things that are hurtful if their ideas are opposed.

What began as a mere difference of opinion may escalate into gossip, slander, angry outbursts, even acts of revenge. Other church members can be drawn into the conflict, supporting one side or the other.

In such a case church members, who would say they are committed to the Gospel, can in fact be an obstacle to the work of the church. Disunity in a church hinders the Gospel, and grieves the Holy Spirit. When church members sin in this way, entire congregations can be effectively removed from the battle, and Satan gets a victory.

No congregation is immune to internal problems. After all, the church is made up of imperfect people. But this does not mean there is no answer. The Apostle Peter tells us how to restore unity in the church in 1 Peter 3:8: "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble." The cure for sinful division in a congregation is for all members to have a humble attitude of sympathy, love, and compassion for each other. In other words, we need to be like Christ.   Pastor Dan Rhodes