What’s Important?
February 5th, 2008 | by tom |
Ever wonder what’s important in your church?
Is it that we all agree on the debatable philosophies of the theologians?
Or that our ministry is presented in a certain matter or by the book, per say?
Is this or that the proper way to lead someone to Christ?
I don’t know about you, but I have never talked to 2 people that share the same testamony. That just leads me to believe that in most ways our “strategy” of “saving souls” or feeding the flock doesn’t have any bearing or for that matter timing on personal conviction of the Spirit. That is not to say that there shouldn’t be a model in our churches to lead, teach or otherwise present Christ to others (that is our responsibility in Christ). It’s just that the more I listen to these things going on, the more I see this causing division among believers and drifting focus on what is important in the life of the believer.
I have a long way to go in this also. But it seems to me that if we concentrated on the importance of our personal relationship with God and not so much on whether someone else is doing something the way that we think they should be handling it, wouldn’t that encourage others to focus correctly? How are we supposed to disciple others that see this going on? Aren’t we supposed to model ourselves after Christ? This is the same bickering that went on in the early church. And the same bickering that Christ warned us about.
I know that these are things that are present in our churches today, and many of these things cause division among not only the congregation, but also the leadership. We will never agree with everything that another believer thinks is right or wrong. As we will never be convicted of our sins in the same matter or timing as another follower. I believe that God works in every believer in his own timing and molds everyones heart differently than another. That is where the personal relationship that we talk about comes from, and our personal maturity in Christ.
My point is that it’s OK to disagree with what I call the fringe of church life as long as the gospel stays intact and we are able to disciple properly. And we should embrace those differences rather than rebuke them, as I think that is how we become stronger. If we were all the same what would we ever get done?
What are your thoughts? Do you see this as an issue that may be hindering our walk? Or am I way off?
but this was an AWESOME post honey! And AMEN to all of it. I want so much...
By Casey0987 on Feb 6, 2008
define “fringe”……..you guys like to talk about “secondary” and “tertiary” things being “ok”…but you never define them. Jesus taking drugs is NOT a secondary issue to most of us!!!
By Tom Brager on Feb 6, 2008
Casey0987-
What I define as “fringe” are things that some argue about that really have no eternal value. An example may be having an opinion on the end times that is not clearly laid out in the scriptures. Or they may have a different style of music that they like to worship to. And they don’t agree that the service should be incorporating that, even though that is what the majority is for. The problem is not that they have an opinion. It is that they weigh so heavily on there opinion that it encapsulates their being. I know people like this. I just don’t see how frustrating themselves with these things is pleasing to God. How do we worship Him if our minds are not clear? I don’t see how we can advance the gospel if our focus is on these things.
Paul tells us to “live in harmony with one another” and “to not let there be any divisions in the church. Rather be of one mind, united in thought and purpose”. How can we be united if we are constantly arguing over what our “opinions” are? It’s impossible. At least it is for me. If my focus is not completely on Christ it is very easy for me to fall into the ways of bickering, gossip, and general arguing.
I’m not sure where the Jesus taking drugs comment came from.
Does this answer your question?
By tom on Feb 6, 2008
Casey0987-
I just spoke with Micah in reference to your post. I assure you that what you are referring to was not my intention with this post.
By John Stickley on Feb 7, 2008
As you know, I agree with you wholeheartedly on this, Tom.
I will say this, though… I don’t know that this is a church issue so much as an issue with individual believers. What kind of believers will we be? Ones that can exhibit grace to those whom we disagree with on issues that are not clear-cut Scripturally, or ones that must have conformity in all things before we can cooperate and work side by side for the cause of Christ?
It only becomes a church issue when we can’t work through our differences Biblically… a sad occurrence, for sure.
Now, don’t hear me saying that churches shouldn’t get involved in issues of gross sin of members… we need to do that. No, that’s not strong enough… we MUST do that. Church discipline is not optional. Of course, even that does boil down to an individual issue… that’s the first step of Biblical conflict resolution. From my perspective, if we can’t work to restore a fellow believer who has fallen without going to the church? We’ve failed each other as believers living in community.
By Tom Brager on Feb 7, 2008
I believe you are right on the nose here…
It most definetly starts with the individual. The relationship that we personally have with Christ, I believe dictates how we relate to others. I also believe that God has one main goal or purpose if you may… to Glorify Him in ALL that we do. And this cannot be done if we are not listening to Him whether through prayer or in His word. But if we fill our lives with this other stuff, how can we see His will for our lives, and consequently our relationships with other believers?
If anyone else is reading along with John and his “Bible in a Year” study you would have read Isaiah 1-6 yesterday. In reading this I came across a verse that was convicting to me…
Isaiah says in verse 1:5(NLT)
5 Why do you continue to invite punishment?
Must you rebel forever?
Your head is injured,
and your heart is sick.
This IS personal…As such, if our relationship with Him struggles closeness I also believe that this leaves room for other things to take it’s place(i.e. invite punishment). Thus, not allowing us to focus on the things of God. And can cause confusion in us, as to what HE wants His church to look like, as opposed to what WE want His church to look like…