"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Galatians 5:19-21 (Playdough Version)
Are the divisions created and maintained between the 30,000+ Christian denominations not an issue to some?
Divisions are included in this list with the other big sins. Is it OK to ignore this obvious work of the flesh?
3 comments:
Of course there are divisions.
There were divisions with Christ's followers from day 1.
I'm all for unity. But never at the expense of the pure gospel.
Christ + (whatever)...is where most of these divisions occur. Pick your add-on to Christ and there you have a different denomination.
Yes Steve Martin, thanks for your comment. Do you think the early church was OK with the divisions?
I have no doubt there were differences in beliefs and ideas. Within every gathering of believers you will find that people are different.
But yes, the whole concept of denominations comes from somewhere other than Christ. Unfortunately today's Christianity is a mixture of Christ + different denominational distinct beliefs.
As I am now viewing church as people, it is easier to look past the denominational lines and see the unity that is a reality in Christ's church.
Good thoughts. Thanks for the comment.
You are right, we are one...in Christ. The Church is united...in Him. But until the New Kingdom comes, we will have to struggle with our differences and take opportunity to agree where we can.
I don't think any believer should be OK with division...unless that division is unavoidable.
St. Paul was clearly not OK with the Galatians. He used some pretty strong language in trying to bring them back to Christ's cross...alone.
Thanks, Jonathan.
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