Friendly Fire…that isn’t so friendly
The first experience I had at a national church convention was extremely disappointing and discouraging. I was two or three years out of seminary. I still had a very rosy view of ministry and was not prepared for the political maneuvering and unkind comments and innuendos too casually tossed about. I thought it was quite unfair that the leader of our church body was so viciously attacked and accused of unfaithful leadership.
I can understand someone expressing personal questions about a leader’s actions that infringed on his sensibilities. I can even allow that someone would express a desire for a less controlling or a more rigorous leadership style. We all have our biases. And these are proper concerns to express. But to accuse someone of acting too harshly or failing to act decisively without knowing all the facts is another matter altogether. This was happening before my eyes and in my ears. Very sad. Saddest most, the accusations came at the Synod President those many years ago and he couldn’t answer, because to do so would have betrayed a confidence to which he was privileged, and which he was morally, ethically, and legally obligated to keep.
At least, however, that situation was not as severe as faced by Paul in Greece. Luke tells us that a plot was made against Paul by the Jews. While no specifics are offered by Luke, he mentions two other plots in 9:23-24 and 23:12). Certainly the word plot itself implies more than an ugly smear campaign. There must have been harm intended. Else why the change his travel plans and agree to be accompanied by the entourage of bodyguards as he was.
Injury by friendly fire is a casualty of war. But friendly fire that isn’t really so friendly is so very sad. Wounds of a friend can be trusted. Let’s do all we can to wound others only for their good, only when absolutely necessary, and only with the kindest heart. Correcting and disciplining a brother or sister must be done gently, as Paul counsels so graciously in Galatians 6:1, “If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” The temptation would be to self-righteousness and pride. The goal is always to win the brother or sister in Christ, and restore her or him to fellowship and faithfulness.
That’s not friendly fire, that’s friendly faithfulness.