I was thinking about something Jesus said.  “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.”  Yet, it seems far too prevalent in Christianity today that the opposite is practiced.

Many people identify themselves as a disciple or follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.  They readily acknowledge that they are a Christian.  But, sadly, Christianity is so divided on many doctrinal beliefs.

Even more tragically, doctrinal differences have caused some to treat their fellow Christians with contempt, disdain or judgment instead of love.  It is done in the name of a worthy cause: taking a stand for God.  But it begs the question, can we take a stand for God and still have love one for another?

Doesn’t the Bible clearly show that we Christians all have the same Father? That makes all of us Christians brothers and sisters, doesn’t it?  Then why do some of my Christian brothers and sisters treat so called, “unbelievers” with more love and respect than they do to their fellow Christians? Where is the love?

Take A Hike, Brother

Many who “take a stand for God,” have a simple formula:  it is my way or the highway.  In other words, believe and do what I think is right, or leave and find someone else to fellowship with.  I’m sure glad that wasn’t the attitude Aquila and Priscilla had toward Apollos, in Acts 18, aren’t you?

In the Christian community, indeed differences of opinions about what the Bible teaches arise. But unless God is schizophrenic, there cannot be two opinions regarding truth.  So when two people disagree on a point of scripture, they both cannot be right; the possibility even exists that they both are wrong.

This is why it is so important to study the scriptures honestly without preconceived ideas.  Far too many people go to the scriptures looking for verses to prove their point.  Then, likewise, someone else, with a different opinion, also searches the holy writ to find their ammunition verses.  After an intense verse fight, they both walk away, confident that they took a stand for God.

I Am Right!

Being a student of the Bible for over 35 years, as you might imagine, I have a set of beliefs, based on what I believe the Bible teaches.  However, I am not afraid to consider that something I believe and hold dear may not be right.  I am willing to re-examine the scriptures on that topic.

However, let me be very blunt.  If you are indeed looking for truth in the Bible concerning a topic, then you must be honest in your quest.  That means the first step in your search is to look at every verse of scripture related to the topic at hand. What is sad is that most people will not take the time or the effort in even this first step to examine the scriptures.

Far too many either find a doctrine they like and can live with, or, they hold to that which they have been taught for years.  They have their 3 or 4 verses on each topic in case they need to defend their position and take a stand for God.  And, if you disagree, well, it’s either my way or the highway.

Jesus said, “I am the way.”  So, regardless of our doctrines and opinions, if we are followers and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, why don’t we manifest more love one to anther?  And, at the same time, ask ourselves honestly, “Why do I believe what I believe?”

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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