July 19
2 Chronicles 16-18
Psalm 81:11-16
Proverbs 18:11-12
Romans 15
Harmony
“Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another according to the command of Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with a united mind and voice.” Romans 15:5-6
Unfortunately, I do not think that the word harmony is very descriptive of the body of Christ today. We are marked by division and dissension. There is division between denominations, between churches in the same denomination and within local church bodies. Churches and denominations are splitting over issues that are not significant and there is major dissension over issues that are matters of biblical truth. I am afraid that when the world looks at the church today, it does not see Romans 15:5-6 being lived out. Satan knows that when the body of believers is united in love and purpose, he is powerless to stop us, but if he can create disagreements, fighting and hurt feelings, he can render us ineffective. If he can get us focused on the ways that we are different, he is able to make us distrust each other and be suspicious and then resentment and fear arise. This should not be.
Within the body of Christ there are many denominations. Some differences are based on theological issues of biblical truth and are very significant, and some differences are based on tradition and culture. I am certain that no one denomination has it all figured out. We will not get to heaven and be told that the Baptists were right about everything or the Methodists or the Church of Christ. Instead of being dogmatic and arrogant, we need to be humble and teachable. There are issues that the Bible is very clear about. On those issues, there is no room for discussion. If the Bible addresses an issue, we should be united on that issue. However, there are issues that are not addressed directly where there is room for personal preference and debate. Styles of worship are a matter of preference, but the fundamental message of the gospel is not. If Satan can get us focused on things that are not of primary importance, he can take our attention off spreading the gospel and reaching people who need Jesus. Any issue that distracts from the gospel is of less importance and should not be a focus within the church. I’m not saying that those issues aren’t important, but if they are taking our attention off the most important thing, we need to examine our priorities. Issues of social justice, racial discrimination, poverty, abortion, and religious freedom are all significant. We should address them within the church, but if they become our primary focus and distract from our most important calling, bringing people to Jesus and discipling them, we have failed.
Unity and peace are common themes throughout the New Testament. God knew that this would be an issue for the church, and He made it very clear that we should seek unity and avoid division. We would do well to listen.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Stive for full restoration, encourage one another be of one mind live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:14
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification.” Romans 14:19
“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 4:3-6
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave not free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
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