Transformational Tip
As a parent, I love when my 3 girls get along well. It is so rewarding to see them enjoy each other, play together, and really love each other and love being with each other. On the flip side, when they are bickering or not considerate to each other, that really pains me.
As Christians, we are all brothers and sisters with God as our Father. When we, as individuals, bicker, His heart must also be saddened. As groups, when denominations bicker in public, God must really grieve.
Denominationalism breeds a kind of prejudice among Christians that can damage our effectiveness in fulfilling Jesus' great commission, to be light in this world and to make disciples of all nations.
When people of different denominations fail to love and understand one another, our witness to the world is greatly marred. Jesus said they will know we are Christians by our love. When we bicker about methods and traditions, we are not demonstrating love.
People from every Christian denomination should focus on the indisputable basics of the gospel and reach out as the people of God, united in purpose and love. Instead, we tend to focus on theological disagreements, judging each other by our denominational affiliation. Satan revels in this. I am not advocating accepting everything as the gospel, but some of our prejudices really show our heart.
Today, examine how you view the people in other denominations, not just the denominations themselves. As believers, let us respect one another's perspectives and learn from one other. Let us not think that our way and our denomination are superior. Let’s put Jesus in the center and use it to unite us together as a team, taking the love of Jesus to a lost and hurting world.
Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective on denominational prejudice.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Forgive me for sometimes putting my own agendas, my own traditions and opinions above doing what You've called me to do…to make disciples of all nations. Help me to put differences aside and focus on Your plan. Help me to agree wholeheartedly with each other, love one another and work together with one mind and purpose. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One You sent to teach us, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other; loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Philippians 2:2
Thursday, April 8, 2010
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