Jump Start # 4069
Luke 9:53-54 “And they did not receive Him, because He was journeying with His face toward Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from Heaven and consume them?’”
This verse show the response of James and John had toward the Samaritans. The reaction of the Samaritans was wrong. It is easy for those who are doing right to switch lanes and become wrong in reaction or response to how they are treated. The right becomes wrong, and that is something that we must think about and guard ourselves against.
Here are some common reminders:
First, do not default to the attack mode because someone disagrees with you. Having truth on your side does not give you the permission to be mean spirited, aggressive and rough with someone who questions or challenges what you believe. The Ephesians were taught to be “kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has forgiven you.” Paul told Timothy to correct with “gentleness.” Titus was instructed to be peaceable and gentle. The Galatians were taught to restore in the spirit of gentleness.
It is hard to stay calm when the other person raises his voice, speaks rapidly, and is saying things that you know are not true. The natural thing is to interrupt, raise your voice louder and counter attack what he has just said. That’s the natural way. But we are of a different nature. We follow Christ. We must be under control and that includes our emotions and how we respond to disagreements.
Second, don’t be so quick to want to break fellowship with a fellow Christian that you disagree with. This has led to finding others who agree with you and in time, breaking away and starting a new congregation. There is a time and a place for that, but some use that as their first and only option. Bless be the bond is something that we must treasure and protect. Some of our disagreements are merely judgments and opinions. It’s not a matter of black and white and absolutes. This is where humility, denying self, and putting the kingdom first comes in to play. So, you don’t get your way. The church buys new song books and you like the old ones better. A new preacher starts working with the church and you don’t like the way he looks. Unhappy, miserable, and complaining, you decide to leave. You try to find others who agree with you. The seeds of discord are sown. And, rather than being an example of being a team player, the church splits. Mean things are said. And, you vow never to go back.
If any place had the right to divide or some leave and start a new work both Corinth and Sardis would be the poster children for that. The Corinthians were a mess. Sardis was mostly dead. Yet, the idea of some leaving because they weren’t happy is never mentioned. Our fellowship is fragile. We must support, defend and be there for one another. Satan loves sowing discord and suspicion among us.
Third, don’t leave love, grace and forgiveness out of your conversations. When discussing things with someone who disagrees, it is easy to be on the mission to prove that they are wrong and I am right. And, in accomplishing that task, we put grace, forgiveness and love on the side of the road. We fail to sprinkle our conversations with those words. And, in defending our Christian doctrine, we come across very unchristian. The example of our Lord before His accusers is something that we must keep before us.
Fourth, we must never forget that the way we handle those who disagree with us leaves a lasting impression upon others, especially our children. They hear what we say. The harsh and unkind things we say about our fellow brethren can be the very reason why some grow up wanting nothing to do with the fellowship we are a part of. “All you ever do is fight with each other,” is a terrible commentary upon how we treat those who disagree with us.
Defending the Gospel is hard. Those that challenge you will not play by the rules. They will be inconsistent. They mock and bring out the worst examples. They will name call and get you stirred up. For some, they will just pull the covers over their head and cower in fear. Others, go in Rambo style and defend the truth, but leave a lot of bodies on the ground spiritually. Our way must be that of the Lord. There is a time and a place for honest discussion. Hearts matter. Some just like to push buttons. The comment section on social media isn’t the best place to have a serious discussion.
I like one on one, face to face, man to man discussions. Bring the Bible. Let’s see what the Lord says. It’s not what I want or like. It’s not comparing churches. Let’s see what the Lord says. Let that be the standard. Let that be the final word.
I hope this helps.
Roger