I AM PRETTY SURE I KNOW, LOVE, ADMIRE AND APPRECIATE FOLKS WHO SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY THAN ME.
I grew up in a monochromatic world where we lived in community with folks who looked and believed like us, complete with a dress code. And I’m kind of done with that. Thankfully, they introduced me to Jesus and I had a father who exhibited revolutionary tolerance for “others,” showing me how to love those who don’t see the world like me. I say tolerance rather than acceptance to explain that we didn’t lose our beliefs by engaging those on the other side of the fence or aisle or whatever. In fact I learned to think critically; to actually understand and evaluate where my own faith and beliefs were grounded. Where my faith was shallow and unfounded, it showed quickly, forcing me to go deeper.
THIS KIND OF ENGAGEMENT OF “OTHERS” IS WHAT JESUS DID AND HE WAS CHALLENGED FOR IT.
“You are hanging with the wrong people, drinking the wrong drink, loving the wrong race.” And yet Jesus didn’t compromise any part of his ministry to do it. And those who were with him didn’t fall away in poor association either. They learned to imitate his love for the lost.
I THINK IT IS HIGH TIME WE ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER IN OUR MINISTRIES.
If you are making disciples, teaching people about Jesus, baptizing new believers and loving the lost, then bless you and your efforts. I really don’t care where you meet, how you sing, or what your cultural preference and expression is. Certainly, I have my ideas about what methods are effective in my mission field, but I will not waste my time fussing at you, especially if you are producing fruit.
I KNOW IT IS EASIER TO CRITICIZE THAN IT IS TO CELEBRATE WHAT GOD IS DOING IN OUR MIDST.
But I wonder what God thinks about that.
• Do you have godly leaders who proclaim the word clearly?
• Is everyone encouraged to use their spiritual gifts and live out their faith?
• Is the church engaged in community, actively serving and inviting the lost?
• Is there a strong system of discipleship and small groups?
• Are people surrendering their lives to Jesus?
Then let’s celebrate that and throw our weight behind it.
On Easter Sunday our staff met together to pray for all the services ahead of us and we were thinking of all the extra hours we logged on Easter week to be ready. I was suddenly struck by the thought of every other church in town. I bet their pastors and staff also put in extra blood, sweat and tears preparing for the highest and holiest holiday in Christendom. I found myself praying that their efforts as well as ours would be magnified and that God would draw people to himself in all these different places and communities.
I hope you are in a great church. If not, get in one. There are plenty out there.
