by Tim Hall

Surgeons wielding sharp scalpels must be extremely careful. The scalpel they bear can be an instrument of great good, enabling the physician to remove diseased portions of the body and thus extend the patient's life. That same knife, however, can slip and cut a crucial artery, causing life to gush out prematurely. It is a serious matter to hold so sharp an instrument.

Fellowship is also an instrument that can be used for good or ill. We normally think of it for its good effects. Christians are often exhorted to use their fellowship to encourage and build up one another. John's statement in 2 John 12 is representative: "Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full" (New King James Version). The end in view -- having a full joy -- could only be accomplished by being in the physical presence of one another. That's the power of fellowship for good, to lift and encourage, to edify and bring joy. Christians should look for opportunities to use this gift in such ways.

On the other hand, fellowship can also be misused, and the results can be tragic. John spoke of this danger in the same letter: "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds" (2 John 9-11).

Many of us are by nature non-confrontational. We have a strong desire to "get along" with others. If this means overlooking a difference in views, some swallow hard and smile, pretending to be able to live with it. It's commendable for us to want to get along -- but not at the expense of truth.

There come times when every Christian must stand up and say "No, this is not the way God has taught us!" Yes, we must always speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), but attempting to act in love without speaking the truth is wrong. Continuing to share fellowship with those who teach ideas contrary to God's will is dangerous, for in doing so we actually encourage the teaching of the error.

When God brings us all into judgment, He will hold false teachers accountable for their teachings. But will He not also hold accountable those who encouraged such teachers by their fellowship?