When We Disagree

First, I want to thank Kevin Collier for his lesson today on unity and give him and his lesson an Amen! I’ve been writing on this article for a while. His lesson helped me finish my thoughts. You can see and hear his lesson on our website.

Disagreements have probably existed since Adam and Eve. There was most likely a huge one after they were exiled from the garden. Abraham, Moses and Noah differed with people. Paul and Barnabas had a “sharp disagreement” over who they would take on a journey. Even the apostles asked for Christ to solve the disagreement about who was the greatest among them. People can disagree with God. They accuse Him of not answering prayers in the manner they requested.

Husband and wives, parents and children, especially teenagers, friends, bosses, colleagues, and just about any number of people can disagree.  We disagree on ball teams and the officials calls during a game. If you don’t believe me, go to a little league game sometime and watch the actions of some of the “adults”.

Disagreements are inevitable. I even disagree with myself sometimes after I reflect on something I did or said! It’s not the disagreeing that is a problem but our actions and attitudes that cause problems. Some  people have a real knack for raising the level from simply a disagreement to a harsh conflict.

I’m on Facebook but don’t participate on Twitter or any of the other social media outlets. Many of the writers on FB are really vicious in attacking those who differ with them on their political ideology and Biblical beliefs. It seems in today’s society that differing with others results in an attitude that you are a terrible and evil person. People write vicious things under the cover of social media they would not say to someone else face to face. Is social media to blame for these things? No, because the person is expressing what’s really in their heart!

I’ve unfollowed some relatives on FB who believe if you are not liberal like them then you are ignorant, an idiot or just pick a demeaning word of your choice to describe yourself. There is a man on FB who is so conservative that you are just an evil  person and are trying to ruin our country if you differ from him. It’s ok to feel strongly about your political philosophy but it’s not ok to be like the following description In Ephesians 4. Notice my emphasis of “all”.

Ephesians 4:31-5:2 ESV – “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

The same verse is also true about disagreements concerning your religious beliefs. People feel and express the following at times: “If you disagree with my Biblical beliefs then you are hell bound.” I’m aware of a man who spends time on an internet Bible discussion group of being told he is hell bound. He believes the water Jesus turned to wine was alcoholic and the other person told him he was going to hell for believing that. Read Romans 14:1 ESV – “Accept the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” The emphasis is mine.

Kay and I were members of a congregation in Memphis that totally dissolved over worship style after 50+ years of existence. The disagreements were over a worship team, raising hands during songs and clapping hands while singing. The elders tried two worship services but that created more disagreements. I will not write about all the different actions and reactions of the members but do believe that God was sad and very unhappy.

Some individuals  all to eagerly announce eternal judgement on others who disagree with them. Whether the wine was alcoholic are not is a matter of opinion to me. Why do people believe God gave them perfect interpretation of the scriptures? My intent is do as the Bible directs but I’m capable of being incorrect. To think you have perfect interpretation is arrogant. I do not intend to offend anyone but think about your treatment of and attitude towards others when you disagree on what the scriptures say. Loving others is important with your relationship with God. Some people spend very little time in Bible study relying on their parents, spouse, ministers and others to develop their beliefs. This is dangerous to your salvation! Read and pray about 2 Timothy 2:15 – ESV – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

There are disagreements concerning our salvation which will clearly be a deciding factor on judgement day but remember the marque on a church: “Love everyone and let God separate them!”

Max Lucado writes: “We can be respectful. We do not have the right to be arrogant and to point a finger. Of all the people who should not be arrogant it is those of us who believe we are saved by grace.”  Quoted from an article: The Beauty of Disagreeing Agreeably from a Jen Hatmaker Podcast

“Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.”

 Max Lucado, When God Whispers Your Name - Published June 4, 1999 by W Publishing Group

We need to maintain our love for one another as we disagree. Jesus still loves us through all things! Pray for unity!

Thanks

Mike   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.