This morning, while I am typing this article, my son comes into my office and tells me that there is a scary monster in the playroom. He then grabs my hand and guides me into the room. Enjoying the moment, I crossed the room and pretended to grab the monster and take it to a door that leads into the backyard and using a kicking motion, I kicked it out of the house, much to Ethan’s delight. Although it was a comical moment that I shared with my son, unfortunately, and more seriously, it was quite a fitting depiction of how we should handle a sinister practice that often finds its way into congregational decision making – playing Devil’s advocate. Perhaps it is time we rethink this practice and consider if it would be beneficial to give it the boot.
Whether it is an elders meeting, a committee meeting, a church business meeting or even a general congregational meeting, it is nearly inevitable that at some point, someone will take on the Devil’s advocate position. The Devil’s advocate is often a role that someone assumes, usually without agreement from others, in order to point out all the possible flaws in an idea, activity or project. Unfortunately, what starts as reasonable often turns into unnecessary and often pedantic nit-picking. Although the Devil’s advocate position seems like it has merit, and perhaps to a certain degree it does, it inevitably sucks all the positive emotions from the room and creates an atmosphere of fear and negativity. It also often moves the person playing in a Devil’s advocate position to an attitude of self-righteousness where they can end up looking down on others. In the end, playing Devil’s advocates kills off enthusiasm for ideas and activities that could be healthy for congregations. It also promotes arguments and leaves members of God’s family feeling angry towards each other. There has to be a better way.
Perhaps what we need are not Devil’s advocates but Godly encouragers. Godly encouragers first and foremost recognise other Christians in the room as spiritual siblings who are equal in Christ. They then take the time to listen to what others are presenting and acknowledge any good intention behind it. That does not mean that Godly encouragers are naïve. Nor does it mean that they are eager to rush into something unbiblical, harmful or unhealthy. They just refuse to sit back and be nit-pickers who offer no assistance in solving problems or unreasonably block things from moving forward.
Having said that, Godly encouragers are not afraid to appropriately and lovingly point out obstacles and problems when it’s needed. But having done this, they are not content to remain critical but are ready to come back alongside those presenting an idea or activity and help overcome any obstacle. In the end, Godly encouragers are careful not to tear a brother or sister or their ideas down but rather work with them to find the best way forward.
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25.
