Shepherd the Flock

One ever-present reality of still living in a fallen world is the fact that disagreements and dissensions still regularly take place even among those who have been changed by the marvelous grace of Jesus Christ. Christians disagree, they always have (see Peter and Paul), and they always will.

But disagreements in themselves are not sinful; it’s when we use our tongues maliciously to insult or slander that we cross the boundary into some very serious sin. I believe that this is best illustrated by paying close attention to the language scripture uses in describing Christ’s relationship with His church:

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ – Matthew 25:35-40

Notice how the love in which we show fellow believers is described as love being shown to Christ Himself. This is paralleled with the exact opposite (failing to show love for the saints is failing to show love for Christ) in the very next section, Matthew 25:41-44.

This is also brilliantly illustrated in Acts 9:4,

And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

Christ asked Paul why he was persecuting ME. Thus, I submit to you that every persecution, insult, or slander that is hurled towards a believer is a persecution, insult, or slander hurled at the living Head of the church.

The believer’s union with Christ is so firm, so intimate, and such a present reality, that every persecution aimed at the believer here on earth is known and felt by the risen Christ Himself. If this truth does not incline our hearts to reverence the saints and to refrain from attacking our own body, then I’m certain that nothing else will.

Personally, this truth helps me to think twice before I speak ill towards another believer, just as it helps draw me to sincere repentance once I understand that I indeed have -and the seriousness of the sin that I committed. Who would dare speak evil to Christ? Who would dare to insult the King of kings and Lord of lords? For the true Christian, such a thought is the utmost of terror and horror, and upon realizing this, it will be impossible to continue in such sin unrepentant.

Therefore, may we extend the same reverence of tongue to believers today that we would if the Man Christ Jesus was standing here Himself. Whether we see it with our physical eyes or not, the reality is that Christ is alive, and His Spirit is dwelling in the midst of every believer here on earth. If we speak to believers, we are speaking to Christ Himself.