Focus on the Fork

I've noticed the impact the "shaking" is having on our church. Members fighting amongst each other.. So much gossip. So much drama.. Going to church seems like it's become more of an obligation than a delight. Can a house divided stand? 

I remembered a powerful analogy that was presented to me back in teens a couple of years ago. It talks about a tuning fork. When used to tune a piano, if every key was in tune with the fork, the entire piano played in perfect harmony.

The piano, I believe, doesn't represent the church only. I believe it represents all of humanity. The keys are us as individuals and the fork, of course, is Christ.

We become so engrossed in others that our focus shifts from Christ. As Paul say's in 1 Corinthians, "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptised in the name of Paul?"

Our focus shouldn't be other people. Were they crucified for us? Are we baptised in their name? Our focus must constantly be on Christ. If we all focus on the person next to us we can expect to have one terribly tuned church.

You can't depend on someone else's faults to edify you. This will not sculpt or perfect your tune. Nor will it lead you to victory. Looking towards another, even for a second, can send you off key. 

Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)