Accept One Another: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

We're Still One Body

One of our crosses to bear until Jesus returns is the fractured and fragmented nature of the outward Christian church. Though the invisible network of all true believers grows quietly through the Spirit's faithful gathering, outwardly there seems to be disunity, competition, and criticism among denominations.

Some of that is good. Public teachings that contradict the Bible should be identified so that the gospel is not diluted or poisoned. Simultaneously every denominational leader should listen humbly to the critiques that other Christians offer as a healthy corrective to smugness and groupthink.

But it is never right to imagine that your own tribe is the chosen and all others are merely false prophets. Concern for true and careful scriptural teaching must always be balanced by a kind and respectful attitude toward other Christian groups and denominations, even when there are disagreements. Especially when there are disagreements.

Jesus' disciples once were outraged that someone else was working their side of the street, was driving out demons in Jesus' name. They told him to stop "because he was not one of [them]. 'Do not stop him,' Jesus said. . . . 'Whoever is not against us is for us'" (Mark 9:38-40). Can you walk that line--holding fast to the Bible's truths but also genuinely appreciating the work that other Christians are doing?