It's A Shame!
It's always a shame for God's people not to live as they should. Not only do they place themselves in jeopardy of eternal punishment by "turning back from the holy commandment delivered unto them" (II Peter 2:20-22), but they are also a source of irreparable damage to the reputation of the church. Because of them, the "way of truth is evil spoken of." (II Peter 2:2.)
It was a shame that Peter had to take valuable time from the important work of preaching the gospel to minister discipline to Ananias and Sapphira. (Acts 5.) It was a shame that Demas "loved this present world" and forsook Paul in his time of greatest need. (II Timothy 4:10.) It was perhaps a still greater shame that Peter, a God-called apostle, "walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel" and had to be corrected publicly by the fearless Paul. (Gal. 2:11-15.) So far-reaching was Peter's bad example that even Barnabas was swept away by his dissimulation. Every Christian should remember that the welfare of the church is the dearest thing upon earth, and that we should be willing to "suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ." (II Cor. 9:12.)
There are still some in the church today whose entire accomplishments can be stated in terms of the hindrances they raise against the progress of the church. When the local church fails to grow as it should, there are usually some "Demases," Ananiases" or "Peters" to blame! God's word is a powerful instrument to draw men to Christ (John 6:44, 45), but its power is dissipated when borne in hands that are dirty with sin or stained with the guilt of indifference and neglect!
It's a shame that the sincere efforts and the selfless sacrifices that loyal and true brethren make to further the cause of Christ are largely negated by the underhanded criticizing and carping of those who have learned that tearing down is so much easier and less expensive than building up! Their entire philosophy of "Christianity" is that it's better to drag the feet than to put the shoulder to the burden and push hard. They are like the unfruitful fig tree in Luke 13. They do nothing more than "cumber the ground" and dampen the success of the good works of the faithful. The Lord, perhaps shows more mercy toward them than they are worthy of. At any rate, after they have "been let alone" for awhile, they will be cut down and punished eternally! They indeed are among those who "know not God" (II Thess. 1:7-9), and will be objects of his wrath!
Brethren, let's all determine that neither positive lawlessness nor negative indifference to our Christian duty win ever make us a hindrance to the church for which Jesus paid the dearest price ever tendered. (Acts 20:28.) Never allow the criticisms of others to deter you from performing that work upon which you know the success of the church depends!
Yes, some members are a hindrance rather than a help. There have always been such folks on the roll books, and doubtless there will always be . . . But, my brethren. IT'S A SHAME!