One morning some years ago a sheriff came to our front door and delivered a sheaf of papers filled with many accusations. These accusations were from a professed Seventh-day Adventist attorney. He indicated that we were being sued for three million dollars. We were not aware that we had performed any criminal action or damaged anybody financially or any other way. The Lord graciously allowed the problem to be solved without going to court, but we felt sorry for those involved in this attempted litigation. Following is what the Lord says about this:
“Brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers! Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. … Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived” (1 Corinthians 6:6, 7, 9).
“The world and unconverted church members are in sympathy. Some, when God reproves them for wanting their own way, make the world their confidence, and bring church matters before the world for decision. Then there is collision and strife, and Christ is crucified afresh and put to open shame. Those church members who appeal to the courts of the world show that they have chosen the world as their judge, and their names are registered in heaven as one with unbelievers. How eagerly the world seizes the statements of those who betray sacred trusts!” Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, 415.
“I have written largely in regard to Christians who believe the truth placing their cases in courts of law to obtain redress. In doing this, they are biting and devouring one another in every sense of the word ‘to consume one another’ (Galatians 5:15). Such men may as well stop praying to God, for He will not hear their prayers. They insult Jehovah.” Ibid., 414.
“It is a betrayal of sacred trust to open before unbelievers the working of God’s institutions. In this way false statements are made, and these statements are reported to others. Those who do this counterwork the cause of God. They are adversaries of the truth.” Ibid., 417, 418.