Two of the most famous Christians in the Victorian Era of England were Charles Spurgeon and Joseph Parker, both of them mighty preachers of the Gospel.
Early in their ministries, they fellowshipped and even exchanged pulpits. Then they had a disagreement, and the reports even got into the newspapers.
Spurgeon accused Parker being unspiritual because he attended the theater. Interesting enough, Spurgeon smoked cigars, a practice many believers would condemn. Who was right? Who was wrong? Perhaps both of them were wrong.
When it comes to debatable matters in the Christian life, cannot dedicated believers disagree without being disagreeable? This rings all too true to the ears of ministers today into the Christian church. One thing leads to another and before you know, rumors start to fly.
Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at naught thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
The New Living Translation puts it this way:
NLT Romans 14:10 So why do you condemn another Christian? Why do you look down on another Christian? Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God.
Paul explained that they did not have to give an account for anyone else but themselves. So they were to make sure that their account would be a good one.
He was stressing the principle of lordship-make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, and let Him be the Lord in the lives of other Christians as well.
I have come to learn that God blesses people you disagree with! He does not need to run it by us.
I Peter 4:8-9 8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
Charity is the fire extinguisher God gives to every believer to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one. Only you can prevent forest fires. This is a quote from Smokey the Bear. Christians should have as much sense.
The word fervent in I Peter 4:8 means stretched out. Christian love never reaches a breaking point! When was the last time you took inventory of your life and asked the question, "Is there someone I have wronged and have not made it right?"
When was the last time you stretched out your love to a believer that you had words with. The sad reality is that many within the church will let yet another year go by without resolving the discord in the body of Christ. It is bad enough when the world accuses the saints; the saints ought not to accuse one another.
Love will help cover the sins of the saints. Love does not cleanse sin, but it does cover sin in that we do not go around talking about other people's sins.
NLT Proverbs 26:20 Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.
This is how we cover for one another. Peter exhorts Christians to open their homes as well as their hearts. Christian hospitality is a forgotten blessing in the modern church, and we need to restore it.
This holiday season, call or write someone you have not talked to in a while. Endeavor to keep the unity of the body. Not because it's a holiday, but because it's the right thing to do. it must start with you if it's going to change.
NRS Ephesians 4:3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Life is a precious gift that God has given to us all. My prayer for this New Year is that we may grow closer to our Lord and each other. May God bless you and your families with peace, joy, and health in this upcoming year. God Bless You!ÿ