Act 15:38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
How do we determine our commitment with workers of equal level in the Lord? Between Elders, Pastors, friends or parents?
A co-operative partnership is always more desired. But why are there so many disputes, contensions, etc.? Even to the point of the embarrassment of churches.
When we hire or choose a co-worker, what are the criterias used to judge? Aside from the obvious such as Christian belief, sanity and non-troublesome.
What are the principles used? Do we judge by enthusiasm? or abiding the principle of "every member should do some church work", or education qualification, or talkativeness, or talents, or verbally mutual agreement, or loneliness, or compassion, or out of necessity, of experience, of reputation, of similar interests, of friendship, of family, etc?
When we pray, may God's will be done, do we do it out of jealousy? pride? or some mysterious humility?
When we have different ideas, do we simple start our own ministries without a clear conviction from God? It seems this is rather clouded in America, as the Christians would have a bountiful resources to start their own ministries. I see so many small churches established to a point I have to wonder, do they do it for pure Godly reason? As Paul puts it in Philippians 1:15.
Since the higher priority is the spreading of the Gospel, I cannot help but keep saying:" It is better to be used by God in His grace, than to be used by God outside of His grace". Can God use people? He certainly can, He is the creator, He has all the rights.
What then? How can we tell from another's heart if we could hardly examine our own with a righteous judgment?
In the end, the trust we are willing to commit, cannot be shy of the consideration or prevention of any of the above criterias in a thorough manner, but there must be more...for the sake of responsibility, and that which is remained, can never be short of one's own piety to God in a mature knowledge and grace of God.