SILENT KILLERS….B.U.G.S
I know many of us have encountered this in our spiritual journey. There have been many things written about Church Hurt but this is another perspective to consider. This is what I call the silent killer in the body of Christ. It happens all too often and yet it is usually never addressed as a whole. An individual must take their own action for surviving once they have encountered this “Silent Killer”.
When speaking of a “Silent Killer”, one may instantly think it may not be as powerful or destructive. Yet when you think of anything that has “Killer” attached to it, you instantly think is has the ability to destroy…. put an end to or cause failure…to cause death. Surely you can see this has the characteristics of another one of those B.U.G.S. (Being Under The Grip Of Satan) . This “killer” creeps around just to see who can be destroyed by its ugly presence.
Silent you say!! Yes, most don’t know it’s doing damage until its too late. Is this type of behavior in our churches today? YES, IT IS! We come together for fellowship but we don’t pour into each other or share our differences or struggles to help each other. Fellowship should be a time to joy, sharing and uplifting. Our fellowship may have become the feeding ground for prolonged gossip, conflict, and jealousy to name a few.
So why haven’t we addressed its presence? Everyone will not possess the same goals or innocence about them that they would consider the effect their actions have on others. You must know that everyone in the church or in church leadership will not share the same ideas of proper behavior with others. Somewhere you would expect the Holy Spirit to be allowed to counteract rude and un-Christlike behavior. But it’s obvious that Church Hurt exists because of the neglect of Christ-like attributes. Ask yourself, would Jesus behave like this? Always causing havoc in very sneaky ways. Looking or rather prowling for opportunities to destroy.
Our churches have too many bad and abusive attitudes, bitterness, unforgiveness, unloving, jealous spirits, purposeful gossip, tearing down the integrity of others and Godless behavior that is able to show itself. Although it’s not in all churches, it has such an overwhelming presence today that it seems to follow wherever one decides to go to church.
Most people that have experienced these types of ungodly behaviors will probably never say anything. Yet you do have those that will voice their opinion in such a negative way that their heart is heartened toward the church and God. We as believers are accountable for this type of behavior when we don’t address it in our congregations. That includes bad leadership decisions that hurt people of God and even the unbeliever.
Our war is against SIN and SATAN! It’s not inwardly causing casualties among ourselves. This defeats the whole process of choosing our battles well so that the ultimate result is VICTORY!
We must as believers be able to know the people in our congregation so much so that we recognize this “SILENT KILLER”. It’s ok to call out any destructive behavior.
We shouldn’t treat it is as if its nothing. We are representing God and we should be more aware of the devices used negatively among us.
Here is a question for us as believers…”How can we help someone God has sent to us if we too are suffering from “Silent Killers” in our lives? How do we recognize the hurt and offer God’s healing power if we are so powerless?
The spiritual health and strength of our leadership will certainly determine how far this divisive behavior will gain control. Division causes disunity. When we allow this type of BUG to grow out of control, it slowly decays the foundation of our spiritual life within our congregation.
This particular BUG will cause churches to split. It’s will cause those seeking help to silently turn away and go elsewhere. This “Silent Killer” causes PAIN! IT HURTS AND TARGETS THE HEART! IT GETS INTO THE CORE OF YOUR MIND WITH ONE PURPOSE…TO DESTROY!
This silent killer shouldn’t be expected in the atmosphere of the church or should I say professed believers of Jesus Christ. But it is! I’m sure some of you reading this article have experienced the devastation of such a killer. It was only the true desire to live a Godly life that saved you from destruction. Yes, adjustments had to be made that were unexpected but you made them to save your life! You had to turn your complete focus to God so you would get beyond the hurt and pain inflicted by unwarranted gossip, rejection, jealousy, bitterness or disappointment.
The church is the one place that should be safe for all of us. It’s should teach and live the concept of forgiveness and love. There shouldn’t be conflict or pain that can’t be resolved by Gods love. But in most churches, there exists a feeding ground for this “Silent Killer” to do its damage.
Those affected by this “Silent Killer” must somehow rely on the fact that God will never leave them or forsake them.
Hebrews 13:5 states…”Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Jeremiah 31:3 states..” the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
Let me encourage those of you that have experienced this “SILENT KILLER” in our churches, God is with you!! You must find a safe place that will guard your heart. Carefully choose the proper way you show your feelings, thoughts, attitudes, and actions. You must try not to dwell on what has happened to you. Don’t focus on the people that played a part in hurting you. Don’t focus on the fact that these people were so-called people of God. Don’t let this hinder your assignment as a believer. Don’t allow bitterness to build up in your heart. Humble yourself so God can guide you through the pain and hurt. Most of all, don’t do the blame game in your heart and mind, it only leads to more destructive behavior.
James 4:6 states…”But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
“SILENT KILLERS” do a lot of damage in our churches. Anyone affected by such must hold on to HOPE because that will lead to the HEALING you need.
All of you that are true believers, I admonish you to help in the process of getting rid of the “Silent Killers” that take up abode in our churches. It doesn’t belong to the atmosphere of God’s people. STAND UP and DEFEAT the presence of this BUG. We can defeat SATAN and the presence of SIN. Don’t be fooled!! We have the power to make a change in our churches. After all, this is where people come for help and healing. Let’s not have the reputation of turning them away because of our ungodly behavior and lack of unity.
If you have gotten anything out of this … please share it and let’s put a stop to destructive and ungodly behavior. We have the power … let’s use it effectively!!
Please comment below…#NoMoreSilentKillers
Thank you for listening…
Prayerfully Submitted (An Unfinished Story)
Evang. Debbie Watkins
Disclaimer* These posts are no in any way posted based on expert input. My expertise comes from LIVING LIFE in the CHURCH. Please read with an open mind, attitude, and heart. Thank you.
