John 17:20-23 (New Living Translation)
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
This was Jesus' prayer. And I have to admit, it sounds really awesome! The idea of unity and grace and a true loving community sounds like such a great idea. And I believe that a movement of churches like that would really do some major work in the Kingdom. So, what is the problem? Why is it so hard to get there?
It is easy to say, "Well, Satan." and move on. But to be honest, I don't think that he has to work all that hard at getting the church off track. We are so good at it. And for all the calls to grace and love and forgiveness, people stand up and demand justice and repentance and condemnation at the expense of relationship. using verses like , "Religion that God accepts as pure is to look after widows and orphans in their distress and TO KEEP ONES SELF FROM BEING POLLUTED BY THE WORLD!!!" these well intentioned folks light up the world with shouts of humiliation and shame. It makes me sad. Because Jesus didn't shout. Jesus didn't yell. Jesus asked us to get along.
There are 2 reasons that we have "doctrine." One reason defines who is with me and who is not. We know where each other stands and then, though we may acknowledge that we could both be saved, I think I am more saved than you because my doctrine is "more right."
The second reason is to define the parameters of a lifestyle lived out in faith. This is not about being right as much as it is about being Godly. That idea resonates. It says, "I don't have all the answers, but I have an opinion. And I would love to hear yours so we can both grow." I don't have to agree. But I do have to acknowledge that everyone has infinite value given by God. And when I understand, acknowledge and treat others with that value, I can then disagree without being disagreeable. This key unlocks Jesus' definition of unity.
So I fancy myself a cultural tour guide. What I mean is, I am particularly passionate about understanding and getting out ahead of culture and helping people see how to respond. But in my study of culture I think I have been a bit remiss in my study of the church.
How do we find that place of unity? How do we let go of the junk and hold onto Christ and let people's lives be transformed by who He is? How do I promote an accurate representation of the church that God loves and Jesus died to marry? Do you see my dilemma? Please respond and help me out. But please don't think that trite answers like "Just love Jesus" will do. If it was truly that easy, this would have been resolved years ago. How do we move the church towards real unity so that the world will know that God sent Him.
May you be challenged to think deeper. And may you love the church and its history and the hopeful future. Can't wait to read your responses.
I am in the same boat as you as far as not knowing the answers. And, in fact, I think finding these answers completely will never actually happen until we discuss it with God mano e mano. What is the biggest issue with many churches and religious groups today is a lack of focus on salvation issues, which is what i think causes the majority of bickering among believers, which doesn't allow for a combined effort to reach the world for Christ. It's alright to accept each others opinions as our own and possibly agree to disagree until a salvation issue comes into play, at which point it is necessary to correctly do research in God's word and argue in love with evidence.
ReplyDeleteSo how do we live? This is a great thought Jessica and it ultimately leads to my point... should we be arguing and debating, or should we be known as a place of love and grace where we talk about these issues and doctrinal differences but in the context of a loving relationship?
ReplyDeleteYou said it very well - I believe we need to focus on a "combined effort to reach the world for Christ." that is enough to keep us all busy without all the bickering. thanks for your post.