The Price of Influence

Why was it that we pastors used to not associate with one another?

One reason was that we felt the others had missed the mark when it came to doctrinal purity and God-honoring church practices. Therefore we avoided them. But now I wonder: how did we ever expect them to see the light? They sure weren't going to be enlightened by us, because we stayed away from them! Doesn't it make sense that if we were truly convinced of our own wisdom and superior grasp of the Gospel, we would want to influence the other Christian leaders, and try to get them to see things our way?

Why did we avoid one another instead of trying to influence one another? Did we really believe that we were separating ourselves for the sake of doctrinal and ecclesiastical purity? Had God spoken from heaven and said, "You are the people, And wisdom will die with you!" (Job 12.2) Or were we just plain arrogant and self-deceived?

Perhaps we opted for separation rather than influence, because influence must be earned by authentic relationship. And authentic relationship takes time and the sacrifice or our own agenda.