I suppose everyone has heard this one if they have been a member of the church for more than a few years. In fact, I have been a member of many different congregations and have probably heard it at least that many times. Let me clarify the situation on this occasion: nothing unscriptural was being put forward and it was clear that everyone else was happy with it. Yet a couple of families wanted things done differently and threatened to leave if they did not get their way. One of the elders said, "Then I will hold the door for you as you go."
If that sounds harsh to you, understand that the people who said this were known for their stubbornness and their desire to run the church their way. Why anyone would not realize how childish this sounds a la "I will pick up my toys and go home," is beyond me. Giving in to people with this attitude means we are allowing the weak to run the church and I do not for a minute believe God meant for that to happen. In fact, He says that the strong should give in to the weak, which is utter genius. Just which side is willing to admit they are weak?
Unity should be on the mind of every strong, mature Christian. Be at peace among yourselves, Paul tells the Thessalonians (1 Thes 5:13). He tells the Ephesians they should be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (4:13). Do you want to be righteous? A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace, James 3:18. Do you want to save souls? Jesus prayed that they may be one…so that the world may believe, John 17:21. How can any Christian raise a ruckus about something that is merely a matter of opinion and preferences and think he is a follower of Christ?
Rather, we should all be willing to give when we see that most want things done a certain way, assuming it is not sinful, and not push our own agendas. Paul even told the Corinthians they should be willing to "suffer wrong" in legal matters rather than ruin the reputation of the Lord's body by divisive behavior, 1 Cor 6:6,7—even if it cost money or property! Surely a matter of opinion is an easier thing to give up than that.
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Col 3:14).
Dene Ward