Embracing Unity in a Divided World
As followers of Christ, we live in a world where outrage and rancor seem to be escalating. The church has an opportunity to provide a voice of gentleness and sanity, but often, we are part of the problem. We attack and vilify our brothers and sisters in Christ, forgetting that we will share eternity with them.
Cherishing Unity
To navigate our disagreements, we must cherish the precious reality of our unity in Christ. Those who value sound doctrine often focus on their differences with others. However, we must ask ourselves: Is the unity of the church one of those doctrines we cherish? The unity of the church is not an optional add-on; it is integral to our life as the people of God.
Examining Our Doctrinal Mentality
We must examine our doctrinal mentality and be wary of an overly critical, fault-finding spirit that betrays love. Not all theological zeal is from God. We must test our hearts during disagreement, making sure that we are motivated by love. Our criticisms must be intended to heal, not to disgrace – to unite, not to factionalize.
Seeing Fellow Christians as Jesus Sees Them
No matter how serious our differences may be, if Jesus has set his love on someone, we cannot emotionally stiff-arm them. This does not mean ignoring our disagreements, but handling them with love. We cannot pick and choose among the sheep of Christ. If they are precious to him, they should be precious to us.
Finding Our Identity in the Gospel
Quarrels about theology often result from failing to find our identity in the gospel. When we recognize that our theological mentality is out of alignment with the gospel, we must return in our hearts to Jesus himself. He alone is worthy of our ultimate emotional allegiance, and all doctrines find their proper place in relation to his gospel.
A Call to Action
Let us strive to have a “warm corner in our heart” for every true Christian, no matter how much we might disagree on various secondary or tertiary doctrines. We cannot pick and choose among the sheep of Christ. If they are precious to him, they should be precious to us. Let us put Jesus alone on the throne of our hearts, and he will help us toward that happy balance of both loving all his people and upholding all his teaching.
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