GOG – Grand Ole Gospel.

Hello, I’m a Mac.

Some of you are too, and some of you are PC’s. Personally, it’s not that big of deal to me…but some people require a specific technology subscription for friendship, dating, or even marriage. I understand, it could be a huge deal… the
technology a person chooses to employ explains a lot about them : artistic, fun, cool, enjoyable (mac) -or- nerd, loser, failure (pc).

Obviously, I’m kidding. But the point remains, there is contention among friends and relatives as to which system is superior. However, we would never equate or even compare our “unity” or membership in a certain camp of technology with our unity and membership found in the Church of Christ.

I feel like a discussion needs to take place that addresses a similar issue that is pervading the church, specifically in this season of the year. I would like to discuss the dis-unity and division pervading the Church due to political disagreements.

I know, I know…some of you are thinking “whoooa ho ho, easseeyy, eaa he he seeeeh, Adam.” I understand your hesitancies. But, we need to discuss the huge seperation and division that occurs within the greater body of Christ due to political affiliations or decisions.

I am speaking here, in particular, to those of a conservative background. I am not a liberal, and cannot speak knowledgably to the issues or problems within liberalism today. However, I have had ample opportunity to observe many individuals, particularly the “black sheep” democrats, be excluded and alienated from our Gospel communities because of politics. In my opinion, this is wrong. And here’s why :

Jesus.

Christ died for the entire world, and for every member of the Church. An obvious point, however, when we separate with one   another due to political affiliations- we are neglecting this Truth. We are ONE body. “fitly joined together…” Therefore, every member of that body – Republican or Democrat- has a unique purpose and responsibility within the Church.

Scripture.

We are commanded to confront those who are not doing right, to do so. The greatest argument I have heard concerning this       issue is that, “I have to separate from sin, so therefore, I must separate from this person.” Granted, if you truly believe a brother in Christ is sinning there is a process laid out in Scripture on how to deal with them, the problem is, separation is not that included in that process. (at least initially). Check out Galatians 6:1.

The problem is, when confronted with this truth, most people suddenly lose the conviction against the “sins” taking place by their political counterparts. Please don’t misunderstand me, I’m not making light of the platforms and issues that are so heatedly debated. But, if you really feel that they are in sin – by all means, do what the Scripture commands. If this idea causes you to hesitate, I invite you to keep the conversation going.

Relationships.

The Scripture lays out clear examples of how we are to communicate and relate with one another within the community of the Gospel. The precedent set in Scripture is seemingly easy to follow. When there is a disagreement, an individual who has an established relationship with his/her counterpart, approaches that person in love to discuss the topic. A few examples:

1. Jesus and Matthew.(politics) Jesus didn’t attack Matthew’s corrupt political practices, rather, he approached him with the Gospel, established a relationship with Him and taught Him about the Truth through Scripture.
2. Paul and Peter (racism). When Peter was in sin, Paul took the time to call him out and confront him in his failure. However, Paul had a relationship with Peter.
3. Paul and the Corinthians (lifestyle). Paul sends the letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians) because they were in sin and needed to be straightened out. BUT! Even in this circumstance, Paul communicates his love for them and his intense desire to relate to them. After he establishes his relationship, he attends to the topic needing to be addressed.

Do you see? Why is there no precedent where a member of the Church who is “more knowledgeable” or “spiritual” approaches another brother in cold blood and discusses an issue. Well, there is – the spiritual ones were called Pharisees back then. We don’t want to be them.

Here’s my point: In an age when separation is a hot term floated and used on a regular basis, it would seem that we as conservatives need to improve in this area of Christ-like unity. Because of what Christ did on the cross, we as believers are free to worship, live, and serve with other believers we may disagree with on a number of fronts.  As we live in unity with one another and in community within the Church-we may resolve smaller conflicts that do not abate the Gospel. Until then, we are called to live a relational lifestyle that includes those of different beliefs and communicate to them the love and hope found in the Gospel.

What do you think? I’d like to hear from some of my conservative minded friends…

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