Quote from Augustine's "The City of God"

I know the language is tough... but focus in on what he's saying. Powerful indictment on the church.

"They [the religiously pious] abstain from interference [in the behavior of evil men], because they fear that, if it fail of good effect, their own safety or reputation may be damaged or destroyed; not because they see that their preservation and good name are needful, that they may be able to influence those who need their instruction, but rather because they weakly relish the flattery and respect of men, and fear the judgments of the people, and the pain or death of the body; that is to say, their non-intervention is the result of selfishness, and not of love."

There is a pervasive lie in our churches that by allowing the sins of infant Christians we are showing love, grace, and mercy to them. This is not love, but selfishness. Truthfully we are really more afraid of men than we are of God and His wrath.

Lord, please give Your church leaders the ability to love Your people with discipline.