I'm right -- You're Wrong!

 

Whenever you get two or more people together there is always a possibility of DISAGREEMENT. We are all created in the Image of God, but that does not mean we are always united in our beliefs. I have never been a part of a church "SPLIT" or even a church who had a significant loss of members over a disagreement. I hear it can be quite ugly and when I hear why the split happened it is often sad and over things that don't really matter in the long run. 

The Methodist Church has gone through an enormous split. That is completely different than the type of split I am talking about. The UMC has split over doctrinal issues and, frankly, I agree with the split. We either stand on the Word of God or we don't. You cannot have it both ways.

But the type of splits I am talking about deal with NON-doctrinal splits. Those types of splits happen. I thought of all of this as I was reading Acts 15 this morning. This single chapter describes at least two disagreements within the church. One is centered around doctrine. I love how they handled it. The second really isn't a "church split" as much as a disagreement within leaders.

"After some time Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let's go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.' Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated." (Acts 15:36-39, NLT)

As a UNITED BODY of CHRIST we are not always going to agree with each other. The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas does not appear to be over DOCTRINE. Yet, it created a divide. 

It saddens to hear of a church split over petty issues, or at least petty issues in my eyes. AND I believe petty issues are anything not directly related to scripture and sharing the GOSPEL of CHRIST. So many divisions in church have NOTHING TO DO WITH FULFILLING GOD'S COMMANDS. These disagreements have more to do with issues that get in the way of spreading the gospel. Satan loves it when he can take our eyes off the main mission of spreading the gospel! 

We just can't let that happen! We can't let the battle between I'm right and You're wrong divide the body of Christ. 

Heavenly Father, I praise you for the fellowship of believers and the fact we are united in spreading your word, sharing the gospel in all the world. Please, Lord, help us stay focused on you. Help us stay focused on the mission of bringing the lost into right relationship with you. Protect us from division. Protect us from the influence of evil that only wants to steal our joy and idstract us from our mission. Amen!

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