Having previously commented on the problems of theft [1] [2] and other sins against God and man committed by certain unethical and ungodly men, I was reminded of some ethical principles that the United Church of God (where I attend) followed when it began in a very contentious environment almost 16 years ago:
1. We will show love and honor to all and respect their freedom of religious belief.
2. We will welcome to Sabbath services all who sincerely desire to visit and peacefully worship with us.
3. We will not criticize, judge or condemn any individual group publicly or privately.
4. We will not attempt to draw members away from other church organizations.
5. We will return all owned assets of the Worldwide Church of God to it’s designated representative as soon as possible.
6. We will err on the side of generosity in negotiations regarding distribution of congregationally owned assets, including local church activity funds.
7. We will honor and respect all Worldwide Church of God hall rentals.
I must admit that these particular ethical principles are quite a challenge, not only to others but to myself also (see #3). However, as a nonpartisan standard of ethical behavior let us examine our own conduct to see how we measure against this high and impartial standard. If we fall short of meeting it, let us repent to God, apologize where apology is necessary, make restitution where we have stolen from God and others, and resolve to behave better in the future, lest we bring shame and condemnation upon ourselves.
In our conduct and conversation, let us make sure that we show love and respect to others–whether this love is a necessary rebuke for sin (Leviticus 19:17-18), the gentle comforting of those who mourn broken families and broken friendships because of the effects of such sins as slander, gossip, and theft that have run rampant these last few months in anonymous communications or letters with weighty signatures but a total lack of evidence to support the libelous claims made.
Let us ensure that we have not sought to bolster our own low numbers by deliberately targeting other organizations to draw members from. Let us rather work to proclaim the gospel by casting our bread on the waters and letting God provide the increase. Do we think that we can plot and plan and ensure our success if God is not behind our efforts? Without God’s help and approval, we will surely fail. Do we trust God enough to act in faith and let God provide the increase for our labors, rather than to act as wolves seeking to ravage the flock of God for our own greedy maws?
Have we stolen from other congregations or other organizations, whether that be in bank accounts, hall rentals, hymnals, equipment, Passover glasses, or anything else that belongs to another organization? If we have, let us return such stolen property, apologize for the hassle and aggravation caused by such theft, repent before God, and then seek the forgiveness that covers over sins and does not forever hold them against others, forgiveness that will be granted by God and man once there is proper repentance and restitution.
Have we followed these principles in good faith? If not, let us all resolve to do so from now on, for they are good (and scripture-based) principles to make such lamentable division as we face as much without bitterness and bad feelings as possible. Those who show no consideration or remorse in hacking apart physical organizations have no part or place in the spiritual body of Christ. For those who hate their brothers whom they see cannot love a God whom they do not see (1 John 4:20), and those who say they know God but do not keep his commandments (among which are “you shall not steal” and “you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”) are liars in whom the truth of God cannot be found (1 John 2:3-4).
[2] https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress.com/2011/02/02/someironic-comments-on-a-lawsuit/
Edge Induced Cohesion 