Jacob
2009-03-16 03:05:55 UTC
When we look at ourselves we can rejoice that God has made us so
unique that there is no one else in the whole world just like us. But
when we deal with other people and find that they are so different
from us it can irritate us and cause a lot of problems. It is
difficult to understand one another, communicate the ideas in our mind
to others in a way they can understand, accommodate differences in
perspectives, etc. It leads to a lot of misunderstanding, quarrels and
divisions.
Even among us Christians who believe in the same God, have the same
Spirit and read the same Bible differences are so many that we exist
in a multitude of churches, groups and denominations. It is sad that
this gives occasion for the unbelievers to mock us, but the sadder
thing is that differences among us cause us to part company.
It is inevitable that coming from such different backgrounds as we do,
we disagree on the interpretation of different verses in the Bible or
the approach we should take on different subjects. But the question
is, should every such disagreement cause us to leave one another? If I
believe that 666 is symbolic and another man believes that it is a
real number connected with the Antichrist why should we leave each
other's company? Is it not possible for one who believes in pre-
tribulation rapture to love another who holds the post-tribulation
view?
Two persons cannot walk together unless they are agreed (Am.3:3). But
agree on what? Where they are going, how they should get there, etc.
For example, if two people disagree on whether salvation is by faith
or works, whether Jesus is the only way, etc., they cannot walk or
work together. If they disagree on whether it is right or wrong to
tell lies, they cannot enjoy each other's fellowship. The Bible tells
us to keep away from those who cause divisions, heretics, unruly
Christians who will not listen to anyone, etc. (Ti.3:10;2Jn.1:10;2Th.
3:14,15). Those who keep troubling us like thorns in the back also
come under this category. We will have better peace of mind if we keep
away from such. But we do stand to lose if we push people away or
withdraw from them just because we see certain things differently.
When we disagree, we can certainly discuss our different points of
view, if we are open to seeing the truth and changing. We can argue
passionately about the things we are convinced about. But when we find
that we are just not able to agree on something, we are still required
to let brotherly love continue (He.13:1). Perhaps as time goes by we
will be able to see the other person's point of view more clearly, and
he ours too. But even if we are unable to agree on something, unless
it is one of those serious issues, can't we accept that person as
someone Christ has accepted (Ro.15:7)? Don't we realise that while we
persue after perfect agreement in a realistic manner on all matters
concering faith, our emphasis should be on oneness in spirit (Ep.
4:3,13)?
unique that there is no one else in the whole world just like us. But
when we deal with other people and find that they are so different
from us it can irritate us and cause a lot of problems. It is
difficult to understand one another, communicate the ideas in our mind
to others in a way they can understand, accommodate differences in
perspectives, etc. It leads to a lot of misunderstanding, quarrels and
divisions.
Even among us Christians who believe in the same God, have the same
Spirit and read the same Bible differences are so many that we exist
in a multitude of churches, groups and denominations. It is sad that
this gives occasion for the unbelievers to mock us, but the sadder
thing is that differences among us cause us to part company.
It is inevitable that coming from such different backgrounds as we do,
we disagree on the interpretation of different verses in the Bible or
the approach we should take on different subjects. But the question
is, should every such disagreement cause us to leave one another? If I
believe that 666 is symbolic and another man believes that it is a
real number connected with the Antichrist why should we leave each
other's company? Is it not possible for one who believes in pre-
tribulation rapture to love another who holds the post-tribulation
view?
Two persons cannot walk together unless they are agreed (Am.3:3). But
agree on what? Where they are going, how they should get there, etc.
For example, if two people disagree on whether salvation is by faith
or works, whether Jesus is the only way, etc., they cannot walk or
work together. If they disagree on whether it is right or wrong to
tell lies, they cannot enjoy each other's fellowship. The Bible tells
us to keep away from those who cause divisions, heretics, unruly
Christians who will not listen to anyone, etc. (Ti.3:10;2Jn.1:10;2Th.
3:14,15). Those who keep troubling us like thorns in the back also
come under this category. We will have better peace of mind if we keep
away from such. But we do stand to lose if we push people away or
withdraw from them just because we see certain things differently.
When we disagree, we can certainly discuss our different points of
view, if we are open to seeing the truth and changing. We can argue
passionately about the things we are convinced about. But when we find
that we are just not able to agree on something, we are still required
to let brotherly love continue (He.13:1). Perhaps as time goes by we
will be able to see the other person's point of view more clearly, and
he ours too. But even if we are unable to agree on something, unless
it is one of those serious issues, can't we accept that person as
someone Christ has accepted (Ro.15:7)? Don't we realise that while we
persue after perfect agreement in a realistic manner on all matters
concering faith, our emphasis should be on oneness in spirit (Ep.
4:3,13)?