While stopped at a signal-light the other day, I happened to look closer at the "arm" that held the light. On it were a line of birds. While I watched, the last bird on the right suddenly flew off. Then the next one flew off and then the next. My attention was then drawn to the left of the line of birds, and I noticed that the last one was forcing the one next to him to move down the arm. In doing so, each bird in line was forced to move until they reached the end of the light arm and was forced to flyaway. I thought to myself: "What a Big Bully!" It was as if he wanted the whole length of that pole for himself! Then the light suddenly turned green, and I didn't see the end of his "bullying"!

Sadly, there are some in the church who are nothing but "spiritual bullies!" And while I continued driving, I couldn't help but be reminded of that which is written in 3 John 9-11:

"I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."

There are some amongst us who seek to force their wills and beliefs upon others! One such label that one hears today concerning these is "Change Agents." But they are nothing more than "spiritual bullies!" They seek to intimidate the "weak" in knowledge with their supposed greater intellect and wisdom! And let it be noted that their efforts may not "appear" as forceful as that "big bully" of a bird, but they are not sitting "idly" by! For example, note the following concerning Max Lucado that appeared in "The Oregonian" March 27, 2004:

"Lucado views baptism as important, but says it's not essential for redemption. His church allows instrumental music in some services. And in October, Oak Hills dropped the "Church of Christ" from its name - an effort to reach people hesitant to attend a Church of Christ, Lucado said. ... In Lucado's view, his church reflects a societal shift. Since the name change, average Sunday attendance has jumped to about 4,500, up from 3,300, he said. 'It just seems like we're in kind of a post-denominational society, that those differences are not as important to people as they used to be,' Lucado said. 'Now, the big issue isn't so much Methodist or Baptist, but Jesus or Buddha.'"

Now, it may not seem as though he is "bullying" anyone, but what are his efforts accomplishing? Congregations that would embrace his beliefs would eventually force those who would not, to "fly away!" While his efforts may appear docile, note the following taken from the book by William Woodson, "Change Agents And Churches Of Christ:" as the writer writes of the "agenda" of "change Agents...

"... One thing, however, they all have in common: They are bound & determined that the church where they are serving, and wherever else they can do so, will be changed in the direction(s) they say is best. ... The particular work done by the individuals may, and will, vary from place to place; but always the determination will be to change the church." (pg. 91)

Read again the quotes from "The Oregonian." Note any "changes?" And what of those who would resist such? Unless the congregation, as a whole, is willing to stand and defend the Truth, then they will suffer the fate of those who "casteth out of the church" by Diotrephes!

We need to be "armed" (cf. Ephesians 6;10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5) at all times for the spiritual warfare that rages! And especially at those times when "wolves" enter into the flock! Sadly, too many souls are not able or willing to take a stand for the truth! Too many rely upon the "preacher" to do all the work! What happens if the sound preacher moves away? Or worse, the man that many have placed so much confidence in departs the faith? Where then will the flock be led? It is the responsibility of each and every member to make sure that what is being preached and practiced is in accordance with the Word and Will of God! Are you fulfilling your responsibility? If not, danger could be right around the corner!

Now, as I said, I didn't see the "end" of what happened with the remaining birds on that light pole. It may be that one of those who remained "stood their ground" and forced the "big bully" to fly away! Sound congregations will not tolerate error or those who would seek to force it upon them! A sound congregation will not allow the wolf to scatter and kill the flock! A sound congregation will fight the "good fight of faith" with "sound doctrine!" What are you doing to keep a congregation sound?

Thank God for sound elders, preachers and brethren! Thank God for men and women who will not allow the "spiritual bully" to have their way! Thank God for Christians who will take a stand! Thank God for those who will fight the good fight with love, humbleness, sincerity and zealousness! Thank God for humble servants of Jesus Christ! What kind of servants are you?

"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2;1-8)

If Diotrephes had heeded this teaching, we would not have read of him in the condemning light that the scriptures reveal about him. If all who profess Christ would heed the admonitions found in the above scriptures, there would be no "spiritual bullies!" Sadly, such men are alive and well today in the Lord's church! Let us be ever vigilant of ourselves and of those who profess to love God enough to preach the truth! Let us, as a congregation of God's people, remain sound, firm in the faith and let the "big bully" fly away!