As I have seen the development of the church and some problematic areas, I've taken note that I have seen this before, quite often.

     Where?

     In the family life. I’ve heard the pain and anguish from both sides of the fence. Parents are distraught over the rebellious nature their children have adopted as they begin to explore their own identities and independence.  For their parental roles of guiding and protecting, they've been rewarded with name calling and disobedience. Children have also lamented about their parent's controlling ways and disapproval of their friends, dates, and so on. The pain is real and can be very deep on both ends.

     It isn’t too hard to see what is going on in the spiritual realm for our physical reality is the manifestation of the activity there. Some like to think that all of society’s problems began with the church. Although the church should be held to a higher standard due to their relationship with Christ (and God does), the issues arising are not a “church” problem but a human condition problem and it is erroneous to see it otherwise.

     I can guarantee you those that have never heard or believed the gospel have the same problems.

     History gives testimony to the awful climate stereotyping 
breeds. The dehumanization of cultures and their citizens has led to atrocities and genocide. One may argue, “But didn’t God approve genocide in the days of old? Didn't He commit genocide?” The key word and phrase are “God” and “days of old”.  We truly are in no position to judge God for it is only because of him that we have any light at all, which is another topic of itself.

     Some will argue that the corporate structure of the church has taken on a more non-relational setting that leads to death instead of life. But I ask, "Has not the other side done the same?" Due to the increase in child abuse cases, our society has taken measures to prevent it, and so has the church. Parents lament over governmental authorities taking on a more active role. Disciplining their child has become nearly impossible as they are met with threats of "child abuse, police, and imprisonment" from both child and government. 

     Furthermore, does not society testify to the fact that at times the one abused becomes the abuser?

     The point being, there are errors being committed on both sides. There is also a time for “legalities” to step in, on both sides…when we are following after our old carnal nature, the sentence is death to that old life. Death isn’t always a negative thing.

     Let us continue to explore what the foundational perspective may appear like in our new relationship with Father through Jesus:

     The body of Christ is a family that is to be lived from a
relationship of love rooted in Christ. To honor our parents is God’s will. Our spiritual parents also deserve the love and honor for the positions entrusted to them and the labor of love that comes with it, even if mistakes are being made.

     Spiritual children should be guided by the love of God within us. We shouldn’t provoke our children by the way we treat them. We also shouldn’t restrict their flight for a mere display of power, or abuse our positions, but like our feathered friends allow them to stretch their wings and venture out of the nest while keeping a loving, protective, and gentle watch.    

     Furthermore, each side would do well by remembering we are all on a progressive journey into the fullness of Christ where there will no longer be a need for the corporate structure as we are perfected in his love. We won’t get there on our own. We need each other. Let us remember the patience and mercy God has shown to us in his great love and allow him to manifest that life already deposited within.    

     In closing I would like to say that when we are growing up we can think our parents are to be perfect. We can think of them as God. Love does see beyond the mistakes, but there can be a perspective and expectation of perfection. As we grow older we can see in a real way that they are human too and are also progressively growing just like us.  This can grow our understanding and breed compassion. Parents will also do well remembering what it was like to be a teen.

     1 Peter 5:1-7

      To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

      Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

     His parents didn’t know what to think. "Son," his mother said to him, "why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere."

     "But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?" But they didn’t understand what he meant.

     Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart.

Further Reading:  Lessons from Corporate America, Growing up...by Grace through Faith in Jesus, The heart of the Matter