It is hard to imagine what life would be like in the first century.

Seriously, how did student ministry thrive before Walmart and smartphones? Shoot, most regions of America have had indoor plumbing for less than 100 years!

Needless to say, the church has seen countless changes over the last 2,000 years. From church polity to buildings and programs, the local church is not a stranger of change. The mission of the church is eternal, but the methods are constantly changing to reach an ever-changing world.

With all of these changes it would be naive to think that local churches have seamlessly implemented the correct changes in their methods. Churches split. Families leave. Leaders burnout.

But why do arguments arise in the local church?

• Our mission and vision have been set by Jesus.
• Our foundation is set in the Word of God.
• Our power and direction come from the Holy Spirit.

Anyone who has been around churches long enough know that there are rarely arguments about the foundations of our beliefs and mission.

Typically the arguments are about the methods we choose, or not choose, to live out the mission that Jesus has given His people.

When we make big things out of the small items we will never address the larger issues. 

[bctt tweet=”When we make big things out of the small items we will never address the larger issues. ” username=”chasesnyder12″]

Some are more passionate about making their cause known than they are passionate about making Jesus known.

We rarely enter passionless seasons in our lives. We are passionate about something or someone. The reality is, if we aren’t passionate about Jesus we are passionate about something lesser.

Many churches and ministries do not experience spiritual growth because they are spinning their wheels on petty complaints and minor issues that redirect our passion to preserve our way of life instead of point others to the Author of life.

Did the early church struggle with complaints and minor issues? Of course. The New Testament letters address a variety of issues the local church was dealing with – from false teaching to arguing if following Apollos was better than following Paul.

Every now and again I need a reminder that the concerns I have may not be the most important concerns for our church. 

The local church exists to further the Gospel, not my comfort. I need a reminder that my complaints are often foolish and 1st-world problems that typically show my lack of commitment to Jesus.

[bctt tweet=”The local church exists to further the Gospel, not my comfort. ” username=”chasesnyder12″]

Just for fun, here are a list of complaints early church members, who experienced persecution and faced death because of their beliefs, never said.

10 Things the Early Church Never Complained About

10. “The music is too loud.”

9. “I can’t believe the pastor preaches from an iPad!”

8. “I hope we can park closer to the church this week.”

7. “It’s too hot in here.”

6. “It appalls me that I would have to bring my child to service with me on the 5th Sunday.”

5. “It’s too cold in here.”

4. “Someone sat in my seat!”

3. “I wish worship would end on time.”

2. “They left my announcement out of the bulletin!”

1. “Are they really asking us to serve again?”

The book of Acts paints a picture of the JOY that came from a group that was largely persecuted.

The early church didn’t complain about the petty issues. They prayed for God to be glorified in every action. Their faith in Jesus overcame their need for control.

I pray that we will seek to further the Gospel more than secure our comfort in the local church.