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Written by Aaron Sparks
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Sunday, 13 September 2009 14:27 |
It’s interesting to me how our consciences will lead us to make drastically different decisions in life. It is evident we will undoubtedly have differing opinions of what is correct and incorrect as far as the things not directly defined by the Bible. I know I’ve been guilty of expressing an opinion on my Facebook status or in the classroom that isn’t exactly how others believe, and it results in a plethora of ideas that flow from it in conflicting comments.
Both “sides” (sometimes, there will be more than two sides of opinion) will argue their ideas and convictions with scriptures to back them up. The important thing, when it comes to these differing ideas is that we above all things Love One Another. I think that is the most beautiful thing about the body of Christ (that is the Church)... we are so different and diverse, yet made one in the body of Christ.
In the end it makes me look forward to the hope we have when we will eventually “...in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. “ (Eph 4:15-16)
But for the time being we are called to be united with one another and above all we are to “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Col 3:13)
Romans 14 is a great passage helping to reframe this. Go ahead and read that right now. Done yet? Ok.
Undoubtedly, Paul came across many differing opinions. Especially, when it came to the Jews and Gentiles. They came from completely different backgrounds, and yet the beautiful thing (as is mentioned in Ephesians 1) was that Christ broke down the barriers and made the two... ONE.
There will be things that will come up that will cause lines to be drawn and sides to be chosen. It is my hope and decision to strive more towards the unity of the faith, as expressed by one of Jesus’ last recorded prayers in John 17. In spite of sport teams, political ideals, artistic styles, or whatever else you can get into an argument over... Christ should reign supreme in our hearts. |
