Sometimes churches are made up of well-meaning Christians who are similarly territorial. We begin to think we are owners of our spiritual gifts and ministries.It seems like this was going on in Corinth when the members of that first-century local church were making mascots out of their favorite preachers.“I follow Paul, and another, I follow Apollos,” etc. (I Cor. 3:4).Becoming territorial happens subtly with a small When we view ourselves as owners, we are often intimidated by changes, and we resist them. It’s true that an owner should be consulted on any changes to their property.Similarly, in churches where Christians view themselves as owners, they often become suspicious and annoyed (even offended)One would think that the safest place to be protected from cliques would be in a loving, local church, right? Well, unfortunately, if you have been in a local church for any length of time, you realize that just isn’t always the way things roll. Over time, and often with no intent to do so, a group of Christians can become joint owners of a ministry.Territorial Christians don’t take criticism very well. We just don’t. New ideas are offensive to us. We begin to view any suggested changes as an attack on us personallyIt is very humbling and downright embarrassing to admit my secret desires for ministries I have "built" to fall apart when I am not ministering in them any longer. Do you know what I mean? This is that jealous thought that wants everyone to FINALLY realize how valuable I was, now that I'm gone. This is the badge of a territorial heart. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (I Peter 4:10-11)
Watch as well and pray that you don't fall into thinking what you say goes...
