FollowBe completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called. (Eph. 4:2-4 NIV)
During these weeks and months that we have been separated, Satan has snuck in with disunity and annoyance for others. We may see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we are still a long way off. It sounds like we have weeks and maybe months before coming back together as a church. It seems like a long time, but it really is short in the span of a lifetime and when compared to eternal things.
Lately, I have heard more and more annoyance with everything that is going on. I have to admit that I am guilty of this as well. I get frustrated with this government entity or that group of protesters. I even get exasperated with people within the Body of Christ.
You see, I grew up in this country and I have also seen the lack of freedom in other countries, especially while living overseas for 10 years. Liberty is alive in me as a red-blooded American. This freedom gives us the “right” to complain about anything and everything without repercussions from the government. In these interesting and unprecedented times, liberty is rearing its head. It is so very important to many of us whether we realize it or not. Liberty is beautiful, but it can be dangerous to us as believers as well. In the Church, we are seeing people on all sides right now. Staying at home has just intensified this frustration and our deep-seated American need for liberty. But, what truly is even more important than our liberty and freedom?
The answer is simple and straightforward: our job as Believers here on earth is to advance and spread the Gospel. That is the single most important mission in our lives and what God has called us to do as believers. As Christians, our striving to become more like Jesus and bringing people to Him should be of utmost importance—even more than our freedom. When we are being so forceful in our opinions about whether this quarantine should go on or not, might we also be turning people away from what our message should be? Are we just adding to the negative perceptions about Christians and enforcing people’s view that Christians do not care about others? If you are vigorously arguing with someone about lesser things, are they going to want to later hear what you have to say about Christ? Before we speak and act, we need to carefully reflect on how our words and actions will hurt or help our mission here on earth.
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. (1 Cor. 10:23)
It is so easy to get caught up in the infringement of our rights or the outrage of having to wear a mask to a store. However, the Bible teaches us to have a bigger view of things, to remember that everything else will fade away, but God’s Kingdom will remain. So what is truly important? What do we need to remember as we are weighing our rights against our message and mission? His mission is more important than ours!
And what about the Church? Are we so divided that we cannot give grace to our fellow brothers and sisters? We do not have to agree on everything. However, in the end, we are family and God wants us to love and respect each other. Satan wants us to argue and to break apart our relationships. However, we need to remember what is most important: Let’s be united in the Lord.
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Cor. 1:10)
What is your message? Are you turning people away from the faith with your actions and words? If so, I challenge you to change that message:
- You matter more to me than my rights.
- You matter more to me than my perspective, preferences and politics.
- Jesus matters more to me than my freedom and liberty.
Wow! I wish I had written this! Truly we are one in the Spirit and do well to remember and act in accordance, with gentleness and patience for one another.
Thank you for that great reminder to keep our eyes fixed on our purpose here on earth. Not to get caught up in the negativity or to become argumentative with others on what we think should be done during this time.
Kendrick,
Thanks for that perspective and the reminder about what really is important.
Brian
Thank you Kendrick and Janna; this is a message the world and especially the Church body needs to hear!