“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” -Romans 12:15-17
Harmony (n.): 1. agreement in action, opinion, feeling, etc.; accord; 2. order or congruity of parts to their whole or to one another; 3. agreeable sounds (http://www.thefreedictionary.com)
There is no doubt that there are many expressions of the Christian faith. With 38,000 current denominations cited* and growing every year, it is no wonder we agree on so little. But, are the things we disagree on really deal-breakers? Shouldn’t we major on the majors, and minor on the minors? Hasn’t Christ called each of us to work together for the transformation of our cities, communities, and cultures? (Colossians 1:19-20)
When I think of the church as a whole, I think of a group of people singing – much like the heavenly host of angels who visited the shepherds telling them of Christ’s birth. (Luke 2:14) When we learn to major on the majors, and minor on the minors, this produces a beautiful, complimentary sound of all our voices together. Each of us brings something different to the table. Likewise, different churches have a different piece of the puzzle. Whether we are pastors, leaders, businesspeople, students, or whatever we are called to bring God’s kingdom to earth. We are not always going to agree on everything – that is the beauty of it. It only gets out of harmony when there is disunity or hate of any kind. Of course we are called to hate sin. (Romans 12:9) But we are not called to judge one another. (Luke 6:37)
Do you believe Christ died for you? Do you believe God’s calling for your life? Do you desire God’s will be manifested through your life? Learn to work with those who may be different than you. When we discover how to harmonize our faith with others, we have set the stage to do amazing things for Him.
“There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all?” -Ephesians 4:4-6
