It has always amazed me how we Christians can be so argumentative. We just don’t know how to accept one another’s differences in doctrine or interpretation.
Following Jesus is obviously based on loving God and loving others. Yet we have nearly 40,000 different denominations, mainly because we can’t agree and accept one another.
We argue and defend our doctrines and interpretations, and we get mad when others disagree or have a different viewpoint. Even when we partly agree, we feel the need to point out where we differ because we think that our way is right, and everyone else is a little off.
I understand that we are not going to agree on everything, and each of us have a little different way of seeing things and understanding things, but we go too far when we let these differences separate us. We want to keep in our own particular group, which we usually feel is the more correct way to believe, and we do not want to associate with some of the others. This should not be, we can have our differences yet without separating ourselves from other brothers and sisters in Christ.
In regard to spiritual things, we are all people of faith. Whether we are Christian, Atheist, Muslim, Buddhist or whatever label we place ourselves under, we all live by faith. That does not mean we are all followers of Christ, but we are all people of faith. We do not have to be afraid to associate with people who do not have a faith in God. We just may be the only view of God they get to see, and love and acceptance should be what they feel through the power of the Spirit within us.
None of us can prove beyond a doubt that our way is right. People have faith there is a God, or there is not a God, faith in the after-life and heaven, or faith in reincarnation, faith there is no hell, or faith that there is just an end to our existence. We can’t prove any of it either way you look at it, yet we all seem to fight and argue amongst ourselves trying to defend our viewpoint.
No matter what we believe, how much we love God, or how much we are convinced there is or is not a spiritual side to life, we cannot prove our point, it is all by faith.
As mentioned in the Bible, we walk by faith, not by sight. I am glad I have a faith in a God who created me and loves me, a God who has provided freedom from my sinful nature, and a God who has come to make His home within me, and that I will forever be in His presence.
I also respect the rights of others to feel differently. I don’t think it is my responsibility to expect anyone to believe the same as me, or to put their faith in the same things that I do. It is the Holy Spirit’s place to draw others to the Father, and convince others of their need of Christ. It is the Spirit who teaches us and leads us into truth. My responsibility is to love and accept everyone as they are, and be ready for God to show His love through me.
a corresponding thought…
[video src="http://worthyhouse.info/docs/John_17.mp4" /]
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Good video. Thanks for posting the link.
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“People have faith there is a God, or there is not a God, faith in the after-life and heaven, or faith in reincarnation, faith there is no hell, or faith that there is just an end to our existence.”
No. I do not have faith that god doesn’t exist. I see no evidence for its existence. Big, big difference.
Interesting post though.
I think you’re onto something with the 40,000 denomination thing. I hope you take that bit of evidence to its natural conclusion.
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Thanks for reading. I am one that has faith there is a God. I certainly understand not everyone agrees. My thought is we should be able to accept one another and love others no matter if our faith is the same or not. I know a lot of “christians” have a hard time with that, even with other christians. Thanks for commenting.
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I’m sure you are used to getting a 10 paragraph reply on why you are wrong and why you should believe in God, but that’s what this article is about.. accepting each other as is, not trying to convince each other who is right or wrong, which we really can’t do.
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Not really. I was just attempting to clear up a common misconception that atheists have faith there is no god. Not whether one exists or not. That’s a whole other discussion.
Thanks for the reply and for the read. 🙂
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Thanks man.
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This is remarkable. I’ve been thinking lately on the difference between speaking and demonstrating. What would our lives, as Christians, say if we could no longer speak? Anyway…we cannot prove our point is a valid point (ha ha). I have an agnostic friend who, 3 years ago during our first conversation (that she started) about God, we spoke for over 2 hours. In which I said, “I cannot prove to you that God exists or doesn’t exist.” We’re still friends. We still talk about God a lot. She thanks me for not judging her. I have no place. Obviously. We leave today, she and I and our husbands, on a meaningful trip over a very tough anniversary. This was another reminder to my heart. Thanks so much!
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So true. Being honest and accepting each other no matter where our faith is can lead to more open and meaningful conversations about our faith in God. Thanks for your comment.
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Guilty as charged! Thanks for the blood o Jesus!
Thank you Bro!
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I am right there with you on that.
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