My son, who’s attending college, asked me to help him come up with a topic to write a paper on. The issue had to have two sides, be addressed to a unique crowd, and he had to be able to take a side on the topic and defend it. I suggested the recent law enacted in our state that makes it illegal to smoke in any public place including all privately owned restaurants. He decided to take on that debate.
Having been a former smoker, I was able to offer input from both points of view. When I smoked, I passionately defended the rights of the least of the smokers! Much later in life, before smoking was banned in local restaurants, I wouldn’t go in to a place if I had to sit anywhere near a smoking section. I was passionate from both points of view and wasn’t shy to let others know. In both cases I influenced people according to my viewpoint. I find now, it was a matter of personal perspective.
When I was young and was campaigning for “smokers rights” I’m sure I influenced others to think as I thought. (I feel bad now because ultimately my “personal perspective” affected others lifestyle and health!) And before the smoking ban in our state, I’m sure my “not so favorable” report on what I considered “unfit for consumption” smoke filled restaurants probably wasn’t good for someone’s bottom line. (And, people I influenced may have missed a good meal!) I guess there are times it’s best to keep your opinions to yourself!
Everyone in the Body of Christ has an opinion and "personal perspective" that differs with another from time to time. Doing ministry and working in close quarters allows us to see the best in people and the worst in people. For some reason most of us are more willing to share the “worst” of others with another than we are to share the “best”. I’ve no doubt that the “worst” exists. I’ve also no doubt I’ve been guilty of sharing it with others, especially if that “worst” offended me! What does the Bible say about sharing such “personal perspectives” with others?
In the list provided us in Prov 6:16, starting with “These six things the Lord HATES…, is mentioned, “one who sows discord among brethren”. Does our sharing our “personal perspective” on what we see as the “worst” in others sow discord or peace? (Guilty) Prov 16:28b A whisperer separates the best of friends. (Done it, and had it done to me. Ouch.) These are the things the devil revels in!
God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit dwell as ONE. We, His church, are to be the Living example of that unity. Yet, it seems the church, me included, hasn’t learned the value of the other parts of the Body of Jesus Christ AND we haven’t learned to die to self and “our” perspective. (Only the perspective of Jesus, the Word, matters, and we saw His perspective on sowing discord above!)
Unfortunately many take on a the 2nd hand offence or the "personal perspective" of others and refuse to eat at that restaurant, or church, as the case may be. Our perspective and offences cause others to miss the good meal the Lord is serving up. So, what are we to do when we hear from another their “perspective” on another in the church?
Prov 26:20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
2 Tim 2:23 Refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
How is it that the Body of Christ, which is known for unity, can’t find enough Grace for one another and love for Christ to deal with our differences according to the Word? “I can’t fellowship there, they hurt me too bad”. (Been there. Sang that sad song. It got me nowhere, especially with God.)
I’ve hurt people with my words and actions from time to time and I’ve been hurt. But, none of the hurts I’ve hurled or received has come near the hurts Jesus bore for my sin. I’ve no right to beat on another, even with my words, after being loosed from an eternal death sentence. That’s not the unity the Lord provided for us and it brings us no closer to winning the lost. In fact, it widens the gap. Why would they want to be like us when we can’t even worship our Lord together because of our “differences”?
Heb 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Take special note of the last eight words, I am, “without which no one will see the Lord”. I believe He’s serious.
Please forgive me.
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