As our family read from Romans this week, I was struck by two verses which differentiate between those who are struggling with faith they wish to retain and those who are actively attempting to destroy faith.
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations….
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ…,
Romans 14:1, 16:17-18
There are those who tear down with words. Then there are those who destroy in more disturbing ways.
The Church has launched training, which is mandatory for those who minister to children and youth. This training can be accessed at ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
All may take the training, which becomes part of one’s Church “training jacket.” The training must be re-taken every three years to maintain eligibility to minister to children. As all become trained, we will be better able to detect and prevent inappropriate behavior.
Paul’s counsel to the Romans was to help them understand the difference between earnest questions and calculated attacks, counsel we do well to consider in our day.
The Church training on protecting children and youth is to avoid those instances of inappropriate behavior which so harm children of God and further provoke those wanting to condemn God and His people.
Let us so live that we are fully acceptable to God and those who are His, no matter how those in the great and spacious building might mock and jeer.