It's common to be in the church with a spirit of fighting off "them" and "they". Life in Christ has been reduced for many to protectionistic talk and disgusting chatter. Fear of leaving the foundation of scriptures may be the cry, but such is quite insincere. Hunkering down to ward off liberals who have differing viewpoints on music or women's role in the church is accepted as standard guardianism of the faith.
I say such talk begs for bigger and deeper questions. What about the clear verses? Why are we not as agitated about the clear verses? Where's the stance on the clear doctrines? Let me explain.
Didn't Jesus say something about greeting your brother only? Don't many who speak loudly about the music issue find their practice often ignoring the strangers around them...even in the assemblies....because we are too shy or just don't know what to say? Didn't Jesus have something to say about anger with brothers and sisters? Haven't some sort of "skipped" such a passage as they feel authorized to broil over some gender roles in question?
My point is while exploration of the women's role in the church takes place, deploration of those who explore are vehemently viewed....and this seems perfectly acceptable to the guilty party. It isn't. Hatred and anger and disdain and disgust fall short of the Holy Spirit fruit of light. Really, they enter from the back room of darkness.
Why is it all right to be hateful when we disagree over doctrine? Why is it some feel a free pass to run over a brother's reputation with reckless rumor and damaging innuendo? It never has been acceptable to God for any of us to be ugly about the faith of another. While we do find ourselves with differing views on matters of silence, we have no option to ignore the matters of speakage.
I believe we each have enough failure in the realm of personal prayer, giving, and hospitality to sink our own ship. Add to this short list tongues which set congregations ablaze via gossip and we should find our lips closing tightly.
May we take a good look at the doctrines everyone clearly understands; that are in no way ambiguous. Then may we give one another merciful slack as we spend our lives building a faith upon the Christ of the Cross.
4 comments:
Beautiful.
For most part, self righteous people have no idea they are self righteous!
Amen.
As said before, too many times we have to prove ourselves right and the more right we want to be the louder we get. Thanks for the reminder that the Holy Spirit is always right and we must be in humble submission as we follow His purpose for our lives. Lord, please keep me near and focused on the cross of surrender!
Eddie
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