Division and Politics in the Church

               There absolutely has to be a point at which you draw the line between cooperation and division in order to protect important doctrines and ministry practices.  There is a balance as well, though.  Humility and respect for others is needed; these characteristics allow one to more easily accept minor differences in beliefs without unnecessary conflict.  However, if a personal belief of a coworker in ministry stands in the way of what the ministry stands for or strives to implement, that is obviously unacceptable. 
                If I have an agenda that I believe is biblically important, I want to do what I can to persuade and convince others to understand what the Spirit has convicted me of, not manipulate others into following.  Politics have such a negative connotation because it’s an area so full of conniving, cunning, deceitful, and manipulative people who will go to ridiculous lengths to promote themselves.  I think there is a purer form of politics to take part in within the church.  This could include “campaigning” if you will – finding creative ways to help others understand your vision so that they might support you. 
              The bottom line is that nothing should be forced.  Our job is to stand for what the Spirit convicts us of and leave the rest up to him.  We should never take matters into our own hands.  Simply be open to what the Lord wants you to do in each situation – there’s a good chance that he will ask you to respond with love, humility, respect, and gentleness, but still with enough sternness to express a bold passion and commitment.  If we will remain faithfully obedient to him rather than assuming there is something we can do about it, he will bless that and take care of the rest.
                I’m not sure if anything I just wrote makes much sense to anyone else, but I know that’s how I feel about it and what I’ve gathered from past instances in church life.