Respectful Adversity
I'm not going to claim to be perfect at this, but I try hard to get along with and understand those who have different views than me, especially social, political, and theological views. Several of my close friends fall into that category now. I want to take time to learn why they believe what they believe, and often that serves to strengthen my resolve for believing what I believe. The mutual respect and appreciation we have for each other is necessary for it to be beneficial.
Lately, however, there seems to be an overarching mentality that those of differing opinions and stances cannot coexist. There is an enmity that seems to be so innate in our beings against those who stand on the "other side of the aisle," and neither side is any less guilty than the other. There is almost enough of a divide in this nation to spark another civil war, but this time around, it would be fought on party lines rather than geographical lines.
Christians, this NEEDS to stop!
We are called to be of one body, one mind, and one spirit. This is not an easy calling to fulfill with over two billion of us worldwide, but since it is the same Spirit working through us, it's not impossible! Are we going to agree about absolutely everything all the time? Of course not! At any given moment, the Body of Christ will consist of over two billion quite distinct opinions. But instead of using that fact to mock, ridicule, name call, etc., shouldn't we be using our diversity to bring us into a more meaningful unity?
We need to remember that we are all humans living in a fallen world. I do believe strongly that there is an absolute right and wrong, and that is God's call to make. However, I also understand that we are all going to be wrong about something. At the same time, we are all going to be right about something as well. If we spend all our time focusing on our disagreements, treating each other with disrespect, we miss out on the beauty that comes when we seek out the ways we can be united, learning from each other, and becoming more like the communal nature of the God who created us. How can we possibly win more souls into the Kingdom when we're already lost to each other?
For better or for worse, brothers and sisters, we need each other.
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV 2011)
Lately, however, there seems to be an overarching mentality that those of differing opinions and stances cannot coexist. There is an enmity that seems to be so innate in our beings against those who stand on the "other side of the aisle," and neither side is any less guilty than the other. There is almost enough of a divide in this nation to spark another civil war, but this time around, it would be fought on party lines rather than geographical lines.
Christians, this NEEDS to stop!
We are called to be of one body, one mind, and one spirit. This is not an easy calling to fulfill with over two billion of us worldwide, but since it is the same Spirit working through us, it's not impossible! Are we going to agree about absolutely everything all the time? Of course not! At any given moment, the Body of Christ will consist of over two billion quite distinct opinions. But instead of using that fact to mock, ridicule, name call, etc., shouldn't we be using our diversity to bring us into a more meaningful unity?
We need to remember that we are all humans living in a fallen world. I do believe strongly that there is an absolute right and wrong, and that is God's call to make. However, I also understand that we are all going to be wrong about something. At the same time, we are all going to be right about something as well. If we spend all our time focusing on our disagreements, treating each other with disrespect, we miss out on the beauty that comes when we seek out the ways we can be united, learning from each other, and becoming more like the communal nature of the God who created us. How can we possibly win more souls into the Kingdom when we're already lost to each other?
For better or for worse, brothers and sisters, we need each other.
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV 2011)
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