“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.”
Romans 14:1
There are over 100 different Christian denominations in the world. This is 100 different groups of people who have differed in opinion enough to form a separate and new faction of the Church. Now, I’m not here to tell you that any one of those is right or wrong, but it’s important to notice the divisions among the body of Christ. Obviously it would be an oversimplification to say that denominationalism is a result of quarreling, but it is fair to say that we as Christians have allowed division to become far too common and far too acceptable.
In this verse, Paul instructs Christians not to bring new believers into tedious quarrels over matters of opinion. Why? Well in the words of Jesus, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” It’s hard to bring people to Christ and immerse them into a body of believers when all we can show them is that the body has been all cut up into separate parts.
No, that is not an accurate or worthy way to introduce anyone to Christ. On the contrary, we must be united. Despite differences in opinion, we must find common ground in the truth of the salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. If that is not enough to unite us, then what is?
We are called to make disciples. We are also called to be unified, living in harmony with one another. Resist the temptation to convert anyone to any denomination, but simply to be a believer in Christ. Do not try to bring Christ to anyone with denominational quarrels and opinions, but bring them the gospel, the truth, the undisputed, saving grace of Jesus. That’s what wins people over to Christ. That’s what changes people’s lives. That’s what brings salvation. Not differences in worship style or communion rituals or clothes or anything like that.
Jesus saves, not denominations.
Humble yourself. Whatever church you belong to and whatever denomination you are a part of, humble yourself. Remember that we are meant to be one body, one unit living in harmony and working together to bring the Kingdom of God to earth. It’s not a hundred different kingdoms. It’s one. God is one. Salvation comes through one name, Jesus. Let’s leave petty differences behind, and work together to bring Christ’s gospel to all who will hear it.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for the transforming power of the grace of Christ. Thank you for the uniting truth of salvation. I pray that we would not quarrel over petty differences, but be united in the truth of Jesus and bring that truth to the world.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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