I am saddened to night and just got done praying for many members of my church family that are very divided over an issue, truly I think they have more in common on the issue than uncommon but like so many issues with 'religion' we seem so caught up on the differences it riles our 'flesh' and prevents us from seeing the truth clearly. I am NO expert on the Bible or Jesus, I have not studied thoroughly, I don't have a theology degree, I am not even a lifelong Christian, in fact I am a very new Christian and still working at not being a 'baby' Christian and moving beyond milk to solid food.
I'm at a point in my personal journey with Christ where I am learning to be more reliant on him, I need to stop 'steering my own ship' which is hard for a former control freak (ok maybe still a bit of one), I want to rely on him for all of my needs and think to run to him 1st!
I recently heard a speaker say that "religion" is THE #1 thing to have brought about the most pain and problems and turned many away from God and his perfect love. They said that if we would focus more on our relationship with Jesus and our love of God and less on religion the world would be a better place....ok ok so they said it WAY better than that I wish I could remember just how it was stated.
I have thought alot about that since then. Isn't God's most important commandment to LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as thyself? So does it really matter if I completely disagree with another believer, even one in my own church? Isn't it more important that I focus on my love for God, my reliance on Jesus and loving my neighbor including those I disagree with?
Perhaps one day, I will be more wise in the ways of the Lord, more studies, more knowledgeable of the Bible and God's word, perhaps then I will look back at this post and laugh at my 'simple' self.
16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him….19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
2 Be
completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace Eph. 4:2-3
10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,[a] in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of
you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among
you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1cor 1:10
9 Be
careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling
block to the weak. 1COR8:9
When differences are divisive our
mission becomes blurred and we are as ineffective as a fishermen with a broken
net; we are unable to effectively share Jesus with the world when our
fellowship is not intact.
Unless it is a matter of salvation
should disagreement ever turn to dissension among believers?
When we hurt
another member, the whole body feels the affects of the pain INCLUDING the
Head, Jesus Christ our Lord for we are ONE in Him.
