“I prefer contemporary worship music in church.” “Only the red-back hymnal will do.”
“I like wearing casual clothes. God accepts me just as I am.” “We should only wear our very best for God’s house, and that means a coat and tie or a dress with pantyhose.”
“I like seeing the announcements and the worship lyrics on PowerPoint.” “All that technology is a tool of the devil to distract you from the presence of God.”
“I like bringing coffee into the sanctuary.” “The sanctuary is a most holy place – no food, drinks, or gum.”
Praise team… choir with robes
Chairs – pews
Colored stage lights – traditional podium with the deacons lined up across the platform
Jeans – bee hive hair do
Preachers who speak – preachers who scream and shout
Clapping and raising hands – liturgical service
Various Bible translations – The Authorized King James as the only authentic Word of God.
Are these things really what it is all about? When we enter the presence of God, do our personal preferences really matter? Then, why do these superficial issues divide us so often?
My husband and I were driving in the country recently, and we passed a tiny little church that had on its sign, “Old time church. We only use the KJV Bible and only sing from the Baptist hymnal.”
Hmmmm…
If that is what the people enjoy, it is no problem. God can move in any style of service as long as our hearts are engaged. However, my first thought was, “Now there is a group of people set in their ways.” Is it possible that we can be so stubborn and stiff-necked, as God dubbed the Israelites, that we cannot see past our own viewpoints to what God is trying to say to us? Is that what church is about? Is it to cater to our narrow ways, and is everyone else in error if they disagree? Where does God fit into the equation?
No kidding, in my history of attending church for the past 49 years, I have seen it all! I have witnessed families leaving because they didn’t like the color of the new carpet. Some left because they didn’t like the new songs. Some left because of the choir robes, but some left again when the choir robes were put away. I know of one family who disliked the church Christmas tree so much they left. Granted, they were offended that they didn’t have input, but did it really matter?
I could go on and on, and it is almost funny! If it weren’t so offensive to the Spirit of God, it would be hilarious! Yet, it is more than just church. I see it on social media and in public. I have witnessed some of the ugliest attitudes and words to and about others just because they disagree on trivial things. These are Christians, y’all! People who claim the name of Christ!
What does it mean to be a Christian? Isn’t it about following Christ? Wouldn’t that include emulating the character of Christ? Would Jesus ever act this silly? Perhaps the ones who are doing it don’t realize they are doing it. I pray for our eyes to open so this great divide can be repaired!
I have seen arguments about appropriate clothing for church, for example, even to the point of condemning those who don’t agree. Who are we to judge someone’s heart by their outward appearance? While we are looking down our noses and letting it bother us that the young person across the aisle has a hole in his jeans, he may be touching the throne of God with his heart felt praise. Tell me, which one is pleasing to God? The Pharisee in his suit? Or the genuine worshiper in a pair of jeans?
There is nothing wrong with having a preference and seeking a congregation we enjoy. I personally love all the contemporary stuff, but I also have great appreciation for the history of the church as well. I can be just as blessed with an old hymn as I am with a Hillsong song. However, as part of the body of Christ, I am to work with all my heart for peace and unity with everyone, not just those who see things exactly as I do. That may mean that I will have to accept another person’s favorite songs, Bible translations, or church attire with an agreeable attitude, even if it is different than mine.
I have learned that it is NOT ABOUT ME!!!!!
Here is the catch, however. There are some things that we must insist on. We cannot compromise on Biblical absolutes. Some things are plain black and white, and there is no room for dissention. For example:
• We are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone.
• Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered and died for our sins, and rose again triumphant over death.
• God created the heavens and the earth.
• A man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.
• Etc…
We cannot compromise those essentials at all! We must take a stand upon Biblical truth! However, it must be done in love. As a matter of fact, that is the bottom line. All things in love! That’s it!
An old quote of unknown origin sums up the entire premise here:
In essentials, unity…
In opinions, liberty…
In all things, love.
Isn’t that more like it? We must agree and be in unity about the essentials in Scripture. We may not always agree with every precise interpretation, but with the specific truths that are blatantly explained in God’s Word, we must stand together. ALL THINGS IN LOVE!
On the other hand, much of Scripture contains gray area of which we may differ in opinion. For example, God’s Word is clear about making a joyful noise, but it does not say we have to use the red back hymnal or cannot use drums. God’s Word instructs us to not get drunk, but there are differing opinions about social drinking. God’s Word tells us that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit, but there is no specific command about not smoking. It is another matter of interpretation. And the bottom line is that it is all about the heart and being led by the Holy Spirit. What do we do when we disagree on areas of opinion? ALL THINGS IN LOVE!
Yes, that even means that we may have to live with a wine colored carpet when we preferred tan, or we may have to worship with guitar music when we really enjoy the piano. Whatever it is, we cannot let these things divide us! Agree to disagree and to do it agreeably.
I long to see the man in his suit and tie embrace the man with the holey jeans. I want to see the woman with a short, professional hair cut wash the feet of the woman with a bee hive hairdo. I would love to see the Church of God folks visit the Methodist church and worship together. May the Baptists and Catholics fellowship with love and grace. Throw in some Charismatics and Lutherans in the mix, and you have a beautiful display of Christ’s prayer in John 17:21 that we would all be one as He and the Father are one. May that be our goal!
This is best summed up in the words of Paul in Romans 14:1…
ESV – As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.
The Message – Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
As my former pastor used to say, “You don’t have to be my twin to be my brother.”
May God bless all of you, no matter how different we are! Let’s embrace our differences and allow love to rule!
Love,
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 NLT
Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. Matthew 7:1-5 MSG
Well written article!
Thank you! Your input is so valuable to me!
Thank you so much! It means a lot to me coming from you!
I so agree with your article. It’s amazing the friction that happens in the church by Christians and have experienced it myself. I do have to admit being a snowbird and a part of two churches that are so entirely different it’s difficult not to compare. One is so alive and on fire. I can just fell the presence of the Holy Spirit . I’m in the choir and the worship is amazing not to mention the amazing and challenging sermons. It is contemporary but also the older songs are song as well. The other I just don’t feel any of this and struggle. I do not become involved in controversy in that church but know it goes on. Sermons are ok but the worship is very difficult. Almost enough to put one asleep. Wondering if you have any helpful hints. I try to walk in with a positive attitude but walk out feeling the same way.
All we can do is continue to love each other and hope it catches on to the rest of the Christian community! <3