"Think of the church at large. What divisions! Think of the different bodies. Take the question of holiness, take the question of the cleansing blood, take the question of the baptism of the Spirit--what differences are caused among dear believers by such questions! That there are differences of opinion does not trouble me. We do not have the same constitution and temperament and mind. But how often hate, bitterness, contempt, separation, unlovingness are caused by the holiest truths of God's Word! Our doctrines, our creeds, have been more important than love. We often think we are valiant for the truth and we forget God's command to speak the truth in love. And it was so in the time of the Reformation between the Lutheran and Calvinistic churches. What bitterness there was than in regard to the Holy Supper, which was meant to be the bond of union among all believers! And so, down the ages, the very dearest truths of God have become mountains that have separated us." - Andrew Murray (1895)
Wow, if this isn't a true statement! As true today as it was over a hundred years ago. It is sad that over the years of time we haven't changed. We are still all trying to prove our doctrinal views of the Scripture as though we think God has given us the only key to Truth.
I do believe there is a correct Truth and I am not speaking of major differences. Usually the views that have completely strayed from Divine Truth we all stand in unity upon. It is the slight differences based on interpretation that normally divide the church.
Many times instead of joining forces and going out together in love to do Kingdom work, energy is wasted on trying to prove who's view is the right view. Many times these debates have been going on for centuries with no resolve, and both sides often have valid Scriptural references to back their opinions.
What ought we to do? Titus 3:9-11 says, "9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."
Rather, we should all focus on this Matthew 22:34-40 "34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
God, help us to focus all our energies on these two commands. To love God and to love others! When it comes down to it, Your will is actually so much more simple than we try to make.
