Tuesdays with Morris

Every year, my old college friends and I get together to attend a Ball State football game. As disappointing as that sounds, we have an awesome time joining together around the grill to eat some food, spend time together, and watch Ball State get pounded by their opponents (this year we attended the Northern Illinois game). As much fun as we have when we get together, there is always at least one or two topics of discussion that we find ourselves in disagreement.

Thinking about some of the silly things we disagree over (where to park, what foods to grill, what music to listen to) reminds me of the Church. You see, anytime we gather a group of people together, there are bound to be disagreements. Even though we may all agree on a common goal (growing closer to Christ and bringing others along on the journey), there will be some areas that stir up the pot and can even cause divisions within the Body. We all bring our own personal opinions, traditions, and preferences to the table. I can almost guarantee that most people in the church have an idea of what things we should be doing and how we should do them. And, many times, this can cause disagreements.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul reminds us that we are to have the mind and actions of a servant. “You were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:13-15)

Whenever disagreements appear, whether in the church, the home, or the office, we need to remember our call to “love one another”. Paul teaches us that our disagreements, if not handled properly, can lead to destruction. But, if we are focused on serving one another in an attitude of love, our disagreements and personal agendas will take a back seat to what God is trying to accomplish. We just might be able to see the bigger picture.

So, how do we focus on serving one another and putting our own “stuff” aside? Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians to, “…live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:1-6).

In order to build up the unity of the Church, we are called to be “humble”, “gentle” “patient”, and to “bear with one another.” And, all of this is to be motivated by love. This love is produced in our faith and knowledge that we are all on the same journey. This love is strengthened by the common glue that binds us together…The Holy Spirit.

Our goal at Center Chapel is to “help people take their next step towards Christ…together.” We’re called to be on this journey together. What can you do to love, encourage and serve those in our church family? And, maybe more importantly, what can you do to love, encourage, and serve those in our community that do not have Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior?