Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Diversity not Conformity

Despite the prayer of Jesus that we would be one that is recorded in the 17th Chapter of the Gospel of John, the history of the Church is full of fractures, antagonism and division.  Yet, Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. 

Jesus also told us the reason for this unity, "so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:23) 

All too often leaders in the Church have taken unity to mean "conformity".  If you want an example of true conformity we can look to the silly cults around us. They dress alike they talk alike and their leaders are feared. Unfortunately there have been moments when we have accomplished the same.  

The early church was anything but uniform.  After Pentecost the church went South, then North, East and West.   These were different nations with diverse cultures and languages.  The gospel brought healing and reconciliation to all...Greek, Jew and barbarian; slave and free.   Christian unity included the diversity of our gifts and callings.  Paul was called to the Gentiles, Peter to the Jews.  The diversity of the church and these divergent gifts were for the building up of the Body.   

Jesus said that He would build His Church and He continues to build, lead and direct His Church.   One of the ways that He is building His Church is through the vast diversity of individuals, gifts, local churches, worship styles, teachings, traditions and even doctrines.

It is after all, His Church. 


The Real Virus Is Fear

There is a virus that is attacking and ravaging this country but it is not Covid-19.   It is fear.  This fear is being spread by people ...