Church discipline - a lost "art" of obedience?

At our church’s last business meeting held this past Sunday, we put a couple into church discipline because they have recently divorced.

There was discussion as to whether or not the discipline has any meaning now that they are divorced. Of course, various opinions were offered, but the elders are convinced that the disciplinary action is not an act of punishment for getting divorced, but a recognition of the fact that this marriage is in total disarray and needs help to be restored.

It was one of the most difficult meetings I have lead to date as chairman of the elder board. The couple has been a part of our church body for many, many years and to watch the disintegration of their marriage is painful, saddening and sobering.

I read the following passage of Scripture at the end of the meeting:

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.

6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature a will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Makes you stand up and take stock of where you are in your own marriage right now, doesn’t it?