When two or more people come together, there are differences of opinions, ideas, and convictions. If we freely voice and follow these leadings, then we will automatically place ourselves in a position of disagreement and division.

We understand, however, that it is not a sin to have your own ideas, opinions, and convictions. How we communicate these and how they motivate us to perform are what we become scripturally and socially responsible for.

I have included here a biblical list of principles that will guide you and keep you scripturally and socially right even when you disagree with your leaders.

1. These three responses always come when the Word of Christ is delivered. Be one who believes.

1. Some mock.
2. Some procrastinate.
3. Some believe and cleave to the preacher.

And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them.

Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
(Acts 17:32-34)

2. Always treat your leaders this way, and you will always be right with God.

a. Do them no harm.

Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm."
(Psalm 105:15)

b. Esteem them highly in love.

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves."
(1 Thess. 5:12-13)

3. Stay submitted.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."
(Heb. 13:17)

4. Do not get out of Bible order.

Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren..."
(1 Tim. 5:1)

5. Keep all things edifying and joyful.

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying. That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
(Acts 15:1-7)

6. Pray for your leaders.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you..."
(2 Thess. 3:1)

7. Study your Bible openly.

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
(Acts 17:10-11)

8. Don't spread your feelings.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
(Acts 20:28)

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