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Everything is permissible”–but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”–but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. -1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NIV)
Christians have a reputation for being narrow minded, bigoted, and just unfriendly. If this is based on our belief that our way is the only way, then tough. If it’s because we believe in the bible, deal with it. If it’s because we believe there is ultimate truth, or that some things are sin and God gets to decide, then that’s just the way it is. But we do tend to “major in the minors.” There are legitimate disagreements between Christians on many matters. The Bible doesn’t speak clearly to every issue. Much of what we believe is not essential to being a Christian. There are many followers of Christ who would disagree with us on a variety of issues. How can we dare tell non-believers that if they don’t believe exactly like we do, they can’t be part of the family?
Think about these questions:
-Can someone watch Harry Potter movies and still be a Christian? What about R rated movies or PG movies or movies at all?
-Can someone drink an alcoholic beverage from time to time and still be a Christian? How often? How much? What about smoking or chewing or dancing? Where do you draw the line? More importantly, where does God?
-Is it God’s will for all Christians to be rich? If you are not rich are you “out of His will? If you are rich is it impossible for you to be saved?
-Should Christians take medicine for illness or trust God for healing? If you are sick is it because of your lack of faith?
Did you know that some Christians are not Republicans and voted for President Obama and will do so again in November?
It’s very prideful to think we have all the right answers. God has given us a ministry of reconciliation. One of our tools is the way we are to love each other, not just those who believe exactly as we do (if any such person exists) but all those who follow Jesus as Lord.
We need to get out of our tiny boxes. We need to touch base with other followers who differ in their beliefs and in the details of their walk. We need to be submissive to God and humble enough to admit we still may have some things to learn.
The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. The hardest part of that is knowing exactly what the main thing is. I know that part of the main thing is that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one comes to the Father except through Him. Past that I get a little cloudy.
Make a friend with someone who isn’t in your church. Even better find a way to minister with someone who believes a little differently.
You will grow in the knowledge and love of Christ and of His children. Isn’t that a great thing? Isn’t it maybe the main thing?
Be blessed.
Nick
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