Did Korach start spreading his message of discontent in one day or do you think it started sooner? Maybe his first words sounded rather upright to others; familiar words that resonated for personal reasons. I ran across an article from FFOZ, called “How to Split a Congregation” which addresses a well-known problem . . . that of being buried in our own words of intellect, thinking we are righteous but ruled by another spirit. Read on to find out how to battle against this problem.
How To Split a Congregation
If you’re looking for an efficient way to split a congregation or otherwise damage the kingdom of heaven, take a lesson from the story of Korah.
Korah had a gripe against Moses and Aaron. Like Moses and Aaron, Korah was a Levite. He resented Moses for appointing Aaron and his sons to the priesthood and making the rest of the Levites their servants. He felt that Moses was abusing his position of leadership and indulging in nepotism by favoring his brother Aaron. Korah insisted that all Levites should enjoy the privileges and rewards of the priesthood and that the entire assembly of Israel was holy enough to serve in the Tabernacle.
Korah’s attitude is common among many disciples of Scripture today who feel that they are accountable only to YHVH. Many believers view ecclesiastical authorities with suspicion and distrust and refuse to submit themselves to congregational leaders.
Korah spread his spirit of dissent among his fellow tribesmen. The 250 men of renown who followed Korah were also from the tribe of Levi. However, Korah was also joined by three unlikely nobles: Dathan, Abiram, and On of the tribe of Reuben. Why would the Reubenites join Korah and the Levites? What did the Levitical dispute have to do with them?
Korah and the Reubenites were next-door neighbors. Korah was from the Levitical family of Kohath. According to the arrangements for the tribal encampments, the Kohathites and the Reubenites encamped on the Tabernacle’s south side (Numbers 2:10; 3:29).
A proverb says, “Woe to the wicked, and woe to his neighbor.” This applies to Dathan and Abiram, the neighbors of Korah. Dathan and Abiram were neighbors with contentious men. Could this be the reason they were punished with him and were swept from the world?
Contention against leadership is contagious; contentious people work hard to convince their companions to join their cause. Congregational rebellions often start in small study groups, special project committees, or volunteer crews where a single, discontent layman can publish his gripe against the leadership and raise sympathizers.
As disciples of Yeshua, we need to be wary not to fall into the trap of sedition. Paul warns us not to even listen to accusations against congregational leaders “except based on two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19). Peter tells the younger men in congregations to “be subject to your elders” (1 Peter 5:5). The writer of the book of Hebrews says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17).
Congregational insurrection usually begins with one or two disenfranchised people who have a grievance (real or imagined) against the leadership, groups of people, practices, or even doctrine. They share their grievance with others who will listen. Be careful about granting a listening ear lest you find yourself doing more than just listening.
After reading this article, I thought considering how to bring a congregation together would be beneficial. From my studies, I arrived at some very simple steps. First, seek the will of Yahweh and ask Him to show your true intentions. How does your point of view, lift up the body of Messiah? Secondly, talk directly to those who are in a leadership position, and seek to hear and understand perspectives with loving respect. Finally, be willing to wait on YHVH and allow His Spirit to convict. I don’t know about you, but I just hate the thought of being buried alive with my own words of discontent or self-righteousness. Let YHVH be the judge. He will call if your help is needed.
Be Blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn