Sectarianism

I guess it's kinda ironic that I should follow my previous post with this one, because what I am posting about today will FOR SURE make me want to go into default mode. I will promise to try my best to not go there. Just know it won't be easy.

I found out today about a congregation that has pulled their support from a health ministry because there are also funds coming from fellowships or individuals outside of churches of Christ to help that ministry. I am blown away. If there had to be an example given in the dictionary when you look up the word "sectarian", I think you would be hard pressed to come up with a better example. Can these people go to scripture to show examples of this kind of mindset? Can they go to scripture to show where they are commanded to have this approach to good works done in HIS name? I would love to ask one of those responsible for this decision how this lines up with what Paul says in Philippians 1: "the important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." If Jesus were here today, would he say to these people the same thing he said to John when John stopped a guy from doing good works because "he was not one of us"? If so, Jesus would say "for whoever is not against us is for us".
Again, here is an example of a group of people who have chosen their identity over doing Godly works. Identity over impacting the world for Christ. Identity over bringing a cup of water.

I can't help but think of a Carole King song I heard recently. This is not from one of her old classic 70's albums, but a more recent one. The title of the song is "An Uncommon Love". Here are the lyrics to this powerful song:

Why do we isolate each other
All the walls we build between us
Make it so hard to be together

How can we tear at one another
When the thing we have in common
Is an uncommon love

Walls can fall, tears can mend
So why can't we reach across the line
And touch each other

Here on two sides of the truth
We've a middle ground in common
We have an uncommon love

Time can heal, hearts can mend
So why can't we reach across the line
And touch each other

When will we ever learn
That the thing we have in common
Is an uncommon love
We have an uncommon love
An uncommon love

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Which do we value more, the uncommon love we have been shown and told to share.....or our identity. One group has spoken loud and clear.

I choose the uncommon love. How about you?