Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, dear ones.
There’s a drizzle out there, but not anything to prevent my following through with a jog. Becki will be off soon to take a friend to a hospital, so won’t be joining me.
Once again, I’m dipping into the archived compositions for 2010 and presenting another “oldie.” But I judge it as a practical “goodie.” It helps me return to this reality: IT IS NOT SAFE TO INSIST THAT MY OPINIONS AND ATTITUDES ARE CORRECT JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE MINE. IT IS SAFEST TO THINK BIGGER THAN MY OPINIONS AND ATTITUDES.
Have a great day.
Love, Dad/Ray.
Let no one presume that the congregation of the righteous is a trouble-free congregation. The fact that it is composed of less-than-perfect human beings who are characterized by a very broad spectrum of background and experience and view on all manner of topics and issues provides a built-in problem. Controversial questions will always befall the Church. God knows that. He only requires that we subscribe to an attitude of Christ-like love that lends itself to engaging in the only proper means of problem-solving that God makes available to believers: HONEST DISCUSSION THAT IS AIMED AT REACHING WISE AND GODLY DECISIONS IN HARMONY WITH THE WORD AND THE GOOD OF ALL CONCERNED. In upholding standards of Biblical righteousness and making practical application, more intense dialogue may be required—that of DISPUTE AND DEBATE. But it must be understood that even this can be transacted in an attitude of love. Occasionally God may intervene with special gifts of knowledge or wisdom or discernment to assist in the process, but for the most part we must walk the road of discussion, DISPUTE AND DEBATE in reaching decisions. Don’t be afraid of that fact. Just make sure your attitude is right and that you are dedicated to truth.
I, for one, am very grateful that the leaders of the early church followed this approach and made the decision they did in regards to the issue of circumcision. I would hate to have seen the legalistic circumcisers win the debate. I would hate to be expected to promote and inspect circumcision in my missionary efforts and the general ministry of promoting the Gospel. But godly discussion and wisdom prevailed and the wonderful foundation of our faith was reaffirmed.
Please pay attention to this foundational principle of the Work of God. I know there are lots of wild stories out there surrounding serious arguments and big fights within church fellowships. Where there are apparent breakdowns and ugly schisms, the problem is most assuredly not with this Biblical plan, but with the rigid attitudes with which the plan is implemented. The plan of God will work if men will work the plan. Think about it.