Prayer Journal
Tuesday, September 12, 2000
We Christians take pride in our claim of unity. Yet if polled, most church members would probably list at least one thing about their church or it's leadership with which they don't agree. In fact, "denominations" were conceived to separate church congregations. They are a testimony to the multitude of different doctrinal beliefs and religious practices that divide the body of Christ. It also seems with every different theological opinion, there exists a church to fit that variance.
In Acts 4:32, we understand that the first church was of one heart and mind. All believers met together and had everything in common. (Cp: Acts 2:42-47;4:32-35) Today it seems there are two new things that identify many churches:
- questionable doctrine
- intolerance for any other opinion (even if the contradiction comes from the Bible)
There is an intolerance that orginates from God's word; It is the intolerance to entertain any self-serving opinion that contradicts the teaching of God's word concerning unity. All around the world it seems, God is raising up a "new" work. That work is based on:
- the conviction to adhere to the principles of God's word without exception.
- the desire to love one another (within the body of Christ) on the basis of faith in Christ rather than doctrinal agreement.
- the resolve to stop focusing on the difference between denominations and begin focusing on unity in Christ.
I am afraid we, as the church, have done a poor job of demonstrating God's love by failing to love each other. Would it surprise you to learn that over 90% of all churches within the same denomination, have been established as a result of a "split" among the church members over irreconcilable issues. I'm not sure how that differs from a divorce in marriage. Church spilts are a failure to reconcile within the body of Christ much in the same way man and wife decide to part ways.
Most believe that unity in the church is a product of agreement on issues. I think not! God's word says unity is expressed by one body, being of one heart and mind, doing the work God called them to do, putting their differences aside.
"Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" Amos 3:3
Just Thinkin' WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
