Friday, October 07, 2005

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

---------------------------------------
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?

11 Comments:

At 3:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

 
At 4:59 PM, Blogger Keith said...

Why is it that Kiwanians, Lions, Optimists, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Southern Baptist Emergency Relief Teams, Harding Students, OBU Students, (the list goes on), can join hands and help victims of Katrina and Rita without worrying about who is the head and who is the foot, and just help people, and our brethren can't seem to join ranks with humanity to do the same without first requiring those involved to pass a doctrine test? Appalling! May God forgive us for trying to be counsel, judge, and jury, and direct our paths toward simple servitude.
KR

 
At 9:24 PM, Blogger Larry said...

Some great thoughts.

Your post jogged my memory of a few occasions where the church I once met with refused to "offer a cup of water."

If you have the opportunity, check out my latest post; it describes a church similar to the one you describe in this post. They would not, under any condition, work with any other group of Christians that wore a name other than church of Christ.

 
At 8:52 AM, Blogger Jeff said...

Excellent post, David.

On a positive note, last summer we did something different for our Wednesday evening summer series.

We had representatives from several different ministries in our town (almost all of which were not affiliated with the Church of Christ) come and talk about what they're doing and how we can be involved. Some of the presenters were even (gasp!) women.

And it was a great success. Our people are now much more involved in the community, and our congregation is actually partnering with other churches (not CofC) in town through some of these ministries.

I was so proud of our elders for enduring the criticism and doing what's right.

 
At 6:40 PM, Blogger PatrickMead said...

I love the church and our heritage. I wouldn't be a part of any other. That doesn't mean that we don't have some who misunderstand the scriptures and misapply them -- tragically, in the case you describe, my friend. Thank God for His patience towards us; that He still loves us and showers us with blessings even when we misrepresent Him.

 
At 8:48 AM, Blogger Keith Brenton said...

I had hoped that by waiting a few days to comment I would no longer be angry about the situation you described in your post, David ... but each time I re-read it to get the details right, I just get riled up again.

So that's just all I can say and still keep a civil set of ten fingers on the keyboard.

Although Jesus' messages to the churches in Sardis and Laodicea come to mind.

 
At 9:19 PM, Blogger Nancy French said...

Hey Light and Salt,

That is truly amazing, really. Although, that is how I was brought up too -- not to give to the Salvation Army because they weren't CoC. I have to make myself do it at Christmas, and everytime I drop a quarter... I hear that same echo in my mind!!

Am involved in a political correctness deathgrip up here in Philadelphia. Pray for us.

Nancy

 
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