You blind leaders! You strain out a small gnat but swallow a camel. -Jesus, (Matthew 23:24)
There are over 2,000 different Christian Denominations in America alone, not to mention tens of thousands of independent and/or non-denominational churches. All claiming to be followers of Jesus, though most have divided over doctrinal issues or in the ways they express their faith. What is even more disconcerting is that each feels their way is right and the better way.
Christians claim to be followers of Jesus, a man who reproved the religious leaders for their adeptness of missing the whole point, was frustrated by their religiosity that shut out and judged most in first century Judea, and made it clear that prostitutes and sinners were welcome in the kingdom of God. Yet, these same Christians excel at focusing on the gnats of theological positions, causing divisions among believers.
After graduating from a conservative Bible college, (many moons ago), I began to expand my thinking by reading and studying those who were more on the “liberal” side of the theological spectrum. I discovered that many love Jesus just as much as I do, and have a heart for the word of God just like I do. Most, more than anything want truth just like I do.
I would consider myself in the “center” of the liberal/conservative spectrum. I can appreciate the different views, different interpretations, different tastes, and different churches but all the same Jesus. I think it's sad that believers squabble because it surely gives a negative imagine of Christianity.
I hope that in my lifetime we’ll see a shift in the Church/Christian culture and see less divisions and more unity amongst those of us who follow Christ. I personally feel this is a mission of mine, to break down the walls that divide us, and help others focus on the things that unite us.
Am I too optimistic that things can change for the better?
Am I way off base on this topic?
What are your thoughts on all this?
It makes more sense when we realize that both gnats and camels were unclean animals to the Jew. Of course it was easy for them not to eat a camel but gnats were a different matter, as we all know from our summer picnics. So when a very religious person back then drank wine they would put a linen cloth over the lip of the cup to strain and filter it and in that way insure that they would not even inadvertently swallow that which was unclean.
Jesus looks at the religion of the scribes and Pharisees and sees this habit of straining the wine as a perfect metaphor for what is wrong with their faith. He says they are so narrowly focused on the wrong things that it’s like they are straining out the gnats but then swallowing camels whole! Today we might say they major in the minors and neglect the essentials.
Jesus looks at the religion of the scribes and Pharisees and sees this habit of straining the wine as a perfect metaphor for what is wrong with their faith. He says they are so narrowly focused on the wrong things that it’s like they are straining out the gnats but then swallowing camels whole! Today we might say they major in the minors and neglect the essentials.
There are over 2,000 different Christian Denominations in America alone, not to mention tens of thousands of independent and/or non-denominational churches. All claiming to be followers of Jesus, though most have divided over doctrinal issues or in the ways they express their faith. What is even more disconcerting is that each feels their way is right and the better way.
Christians claim to be followers of Jesus, a man who reproved the religious leaders for their adeptness of missing the whole point, was frustrated by their religiosity that shut out and judged most in first century Judea, and made it clear that prostitutes and sinners were welcome in the kingdom of God. Yet, these same Christians excel at focusing on the gnats of theological positions, causing divisions among believers.
I would consider myself in the “center” of the liberal/conservative spectrum. I can appreciate the different views, different interpretations, different tastes, and different churches but all the same Jesus. I think it's sad that believers squabble because it surely gives a negative imagine of Christianity.
I hope that in my lifetime we’ll see a shift in the Church/Christian culture and see less divisions and more unity amongst those of us who follow Christ. I personally feel this is a mission of mine, to break down the walls that divide us, and help others focus on the things that unite us.
Am I too optimistic that things can change for the better?
Am I way off base on this topic?
What are your thoughts on all this?
3 comments:
I should try that linen cloth trick next time a fly lands in Mary K's diet Coke.
Nah, Phil, you're not too optimistic. I pray for unity among believers in our neighborhood weekly. I think we all have to become a little less sure of our doctrines, and a lot more desperate for Jesus.
I love how you 'shake' me a little. Coming from a very religious background caused me to naturally be a very good Pharisee when I thought I was being a 'good' christian. But as I sought to really know God personally and find intimancy, I was forced to found the freedom to allow God to love me; and with my eyes open to 'me' rather than 'them' I saw God in such a different light. How difficult to turn the search on our own hearts... like Jesus saying, 'you without sin throw the first stone.' wow... i'd have to leave the scene also. Thanks for the constant reminder to stay Christ-like and not build my relationship with God on my own laws.
Charlotte
http://loverofhisname.blogspot.com/
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