It seems popular of late among some to preach and teach in such a way that ignores certain injunctions or admonishments given in Scripture to the church.  It is also alarming how popular it seems to be to denounce the idea of leadership or someone being in a position of authority.  There’s a growing desire to avoid any and all accountability which can be dangerous and unhealthy.

If the gospel I preach cannot withstand the full counsel of Scripture as a whole in the New Testament, is it really the gospel?  My understanding of the gospel should ground me so strongly in security in Christ that I can withstand a critique of my behavior when appropriate, and it not rock my world but rather enhance it.  Getting the gospel right does not do away with my need for correction at times, but it will take away the sting that comes from any insecurity and will allow me to examine all of Scripture, not just the parts of it that I favor.

Sometimes, what is passed over as insignificant in the word of God may be highly significant.

1 Thessalonians 5:12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.  14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.  16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.  23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

So, in view of such a passage, we should ask ourselves:

Do I recognize the person or persons who labor on my behalf, and do I see them as being over me in the Lord?   

Am I esteeming them very highly in love for their work’s sake?

Am I at peace with myself and with others I am in fellowship with?

Do I warn those who are unruly, or do I take part in their complaints and efforts at sowing division?

Do I comfort the fainthearted?

Do I uphold the weak?

Am I patient with all?

Do I live by a motto of getting even with someone who hurts or uses me?

Do I pursue what is good for myself and others?

Am I one who rejoices always?

Do I live in an attitude of prayer?

Am I one who gives thanks for everything, or do I feel permission to complain most of the time?

Do I quench the Spirit, or am I surrendered to Him?

Am I a person who desires prophecies, or do I despise them and avoid them?

Do I diligently test all things and hold fast to what is good?

Do I abstain from every form of evil, or do I find some of it acceptable?

Failure in any of these areas will not undo my salvation, nor will it overpower the righteousness of God that I have become.  But it can affect my witness for Christ to others and bring a disruption to the peace I am promised in my soul. It can also bear an impact on the fellowship I am a part of and adversely affect my relationships, and it is why such instruction exists in Scripture.

An authentic gospel is not devoid of practical, wise counsel for the purpose of unified and healthy fellowship with others.  If my gospel does not take others into account in the way I choose to live as a witness for Christ and my call to be in fellowship with other believers, it might be another gospel other than the one found on the pages of the New Testament.