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Spirituality, Even in the Business Meeting

By Jim R. Everett

A BUSINESS MEETING,” as it is commonly practiced by a group of Christians, is a coming together of some   members of a congregation to arrive at a unified decision and initiate “together work.” Who these members are, how often they meet, and how they reach decisions is not the design of this article.

There is a very strong implication in the wording of the title that spirituality is sometimes missing from the     business meeting. That is too often the truth of the matter and many consider business meetings a “necessary evil.” In some hearts, painful business meeting experiences linger unforgettably like the odor of stale tobacco smoke clings to a woolen jacket.

God be thanked that many churches are so unified that business meetings are a pleasure. While business    meetings may be necessary (there must be some means by which the affairs of a congregation may be arranged), evil is not necessary. Therefore, we need to learn how to avoid carnality, which is commonly manifest in such  gatherings, while promoting spiritual edification, brotherly love, and enthusiasm in the congregation’s work.

Understand that suggestions made in the application of spiritual truth to this matter do not guarantee that every member will be agreeable to act maturely. That means that while some may seek to do what God says, there will be others who, not being so motivated, may cause    difficulties. This does not excuse us from proper conduct and the continued pursuit of spiritual work—it only means that our tasks will be unpleasant at times, but we must keep doing the will of our Father.

Business meetings always should be opened with a prayer for wisdom. If ever there is an occasion which demands the greatest degree of wisdom, it is a business meeting. God was truly pleased when Solomon asked, not for treasures, but for an “understanding heart”         because it indicated that he cared more for the needs of his people than his own selfish interests. Rather than reflecting heavenly wisdom, business meetings are     frequently an exercise in carnal wisdom manifest by strife and contention which smother like smog in Los Angeles. Contrasted, heavenly wisdom is like a breath of fresh air from the Ouachita mountains (See James 3:14-18).

When we pray for wisdom, we are, by that prayer, indicating a willingness to conduct ourselves in a manner be­coming to children of God. That kind of prayer, therefore, will cause us to pursue purity and peace; to speak kindly; and to be longsuffering.

Also, it appears to me that spirituality, even in the    business meeting, can be accomplished primarily by planning and discussing spiritual things. Too much time is wasted talking about color schemes, padded pews, etc. A greater portion of time spend discussing carnal things presents greater opportunity for disagreement over personal tastes and judgments. Far better that one or two men be selected to take care of those things and who, within a generally specified limit, see that the jobs are done than to promote carnality. Then let the one who may want to criticize take the job and do it himself. I never complain about the cooking when I go hunting with a group of men — and you know why.

Problems arise from materially-oriented business    meetings because each of us, inherently, believes that his preferences and judgments make more sense than someone else’s. That part of the “old man” must be conquered by a brotherly love that looks to the needs of a brother first, and by each esteeming the other better than himself (Philippians 2:1-5). Do not, even jokingly, say, “Well, I guess he is entitled to his own stupid   opinion.” Business meetings should be approached by all with a mutual respect for each other’s wellbeing. And since “together work” is being decided, care should be taken, if at all possible, to avoid involving a brother in a work that would make him a partner to something he cannot conscientiously do. Our own history in the    benevolent controversy should verify that need.

Each business meeting should put emphasis on      spiritual matters. Prepare beforehand to discuss such things as: “How we can improve our worship and our teaching work” “How we can motivate ourselves toward better Bible study habits;” “Ways of reaching the lost;” etc. Then listen carefully to each genuine expression of concern and do something. Spirituality comes from  doing, not just talking (James 1:22).

Finally, each Christian should go to the business meeting to discover what he can do in the congregation’s work. Complainers are not doers and doers have no time for complaining. True spirituality is demonstrated practically in reflecting the love of our Father to our brethren and in the spiritual work we do.