How can we allure others to Christ when difference of opinions arise among believers?
Worship music has become a political hot-potato in many a church. Opinions are tossed quickly to and fro disregarding if that’s mere preference, or if Scripture voices a view on the matter.
If music were the only divisive topic for churches to get distracted by … the color of carpet will do it too.
David says in Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!”
Our Jewish family friend has shed some light on this passage. He shared that the words in unity are an addition by the translators. The original refers to the fact that it is good to co-exist as brothers, but oh how much better it is to do it in a spirit of togetherness.
My husband and I were strolling the cobbled streets of Bucharest one Sunday night. Our feet hurried us toward a crowd mesmerized by a large water-fountain of lights dancing to the symphony in the background. Each water spout was shooting harmoniously. Some were gushing with power, some streaming with consistency, some flowing with simplicity, while others cascading with rhythm, precision and color. All united by the song.
This picturesque view allowed me to dream of how churches could bring the world to a standstill, letting the passers-by take note of the impeccable dance of the diverse, yet united Christians. All waltzing to the same song of love rendered by Yahweh.
The mission Messiah entrusted his followers with was never intended to be a one man’s show. Yet, at times I find myself pushing for my own performance and my own preference with the same passion as evangelism is done on Revival Week.
I blurt out criticism with ease, I compare too much, I judge too quickly, I dismiss ideas I don’t like, I stay self-centred as if it all revolves around me.
The Lord expects for us to lead by washing dirty feet. By allowing others to be heard, while putting my own preferences on hold. By doing better than my best however unnoticeable my task may seem. By stirring others to love and good deeds, and not rushing into judgment.
Another family friend (we’re surely blessed with friends), ministering to the victims caught up in human traffic, made a distinct observation “How come human traffickers unite forces realizing they are better together and we as believers prefer to be stand-alone islands? They got the point that together they can do more, even if all they do is damage.“
What are the ingredients for togetherness?
“Beyond all these things put on love (agape, an overwhelming love that gives), which is the perfect bond (ligament) of unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule (brabeuetō: referee) in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Let the word of Christ richly (copiously) dwell (to be stationed) within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing (counsel with graciousness) one another
… with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3: 14-17
In other words …
The ligaments that hold us in togetherness are: a thankful attitude, a singing voice (not a loud or a preachy voice), a mind & heart saturated in the Word out of which flows wisdom and grace-filled counsel, and a difference of opinion arbitrated by Christ’s peace.
Let’s have sameness of mind. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” Even when difference of opinions arise, the Lord should still be the star of the show, not me.
Harmonizing with each other will attract the world to join the symphony of togetherness in Christ.