Why Can’t We All Get Along
I’m tired. As an Independent Baptist pastor of a small church, it would be easy to see why. Preparing sermons, church work, being a father and husband, and working a side job does not leave much time. But any pastor of a small church knows this is par for the course.
I wish I could say this is all I'm tired of. Unfortunately, I tire of division among our churches. I'm not talking about division among those who believe differently on doctrines. We can safely say we don't have to compromise on the truths on salvation, baptism, and other doctrines clearly defined in the Bible. I am talking about how Independent Baptist Churches treat other Independent Baptist Churches. Our churches are so splintered right now, it is harming the cause of Christ. Frankly, we treat each other in ways that are contrary to what the Bible says.
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
The Bible says if Christians want all men (which include those lost people they are supposed to be reaching) to know we are his disciples, which we claim to be, we will love one another. This is a commandment spoken by Jesus Himself. The world doesn't care why we don't love each other. All they see is that we don't love each other and only see division. Why would they want the Jesus we have if we can't even get along with each other.
Churches of my same denomination have met me with indifference and even hostility. It is not all of them, but most of them. I am trying not to complain, but I wonder if I am the only one who sees a problem with this?
So what should we do as Independent Baptist Churches? Should we separate from people who are not part of our group or those who do not believe exactly as we do? What about liberal or conservative Independent Baptist Churches? Shouldn't the two remain separate. They do differ on opinion of worship style, music, movies, and pants on women. I contend the answer is no. Separation is causing the lost world to seek salvation elsewhere.
Now, many churches that separate themselves from other churches of like faith will claim these verses as reason to separate from other brothers:
2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
They would say that those who have different standards are those walketh disorderly. Who are those that walketh disorderly?
2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
In context, we should separate from lazy people and gossips. Not exactly standards.
What about those who walketh not after our traditions? Some who separate from others would say that means we should separate from those who disagree with the old fashioned ways. In context, the scripture is not talking about what pastors from the 1950's thought, but the scripture is referencing the traditions Paul was teaching to the first churches. I don't think he had in mind the standards battle of today.
Here is another verse claimed by churches that separate themselves:
1 Timothy 6:3-5 These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Who are we to separate from in these verses. Men who teach otherwise. Otherwise to what? Otherwise to the verse before.
1 Timothy 6:1-2 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
Otherwise to how a servant is to behave towards their master.
Now, many churches that separate themselves from other churches of like faith will claim these verses as reason to separate from other brothers:
2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
They would say that those who have different standards are those walketh disorderly. Who are those that walketh disorderly?
2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
In context, we should separate from lazy people and gossips. Not exactly standards.
What about those who walketh not after our traditions? Some who separate from others would say that means we should separate from those who disagree with the old fashioned ways. In context, the scripture is not talking about what pastors from the 1950's thought, but the scripture is referencing the traditions Paul was teaching to the first churches. I don't think he had in mind the standards battle of today.
Here is another verse claimed by churches that separate themselves:
1 Timothy 6:3-5 These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Who are we to separate from in these verses. Men who teach otherwise. Otherwise to what? Otherwise to the verse before.
1 Timothy 6:1-2 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
Otherwise to how a servant is to behave towards their master.
No where in scripture can you find Jesus commanding Christians to separate from other Christians that believe the same doctrines. In Luke 9:49, the disciples had come to Jesus because others were casting out devils and these men were not with the group following Jesus. And "Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us." If Jesus Himself did not forbid others from doing good works, why in the world would we think that we should isolate from those who do it differently than us.
So what can we do as Independent Baptist?
Please Stop Preaching Verses Out of Context
There are many other verses taught about separation in churches. The Bible should form our opinions, not the other way around. Don't try to have the Bible fit your opinion.
Stop Isolating Yourself From Other Christians
We may not agree on every standard. That is ok. Sadly, this is why most churches have no fellowship with one another. Standards should not be the debate, standards should not be why we separate. Does isolating show the love the love of Christ to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? Notice you are not an army of one.
2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
Think about how much more an army of like-minded believers could accomplish in a community, for the gospel, if we would stop isolating from other believers because their women wear pants or their worship style is different than yours. If Jesus told his disciples to let it go, why would we think this doesn't apply to our churches.
Realize Those Who Disagree With You Are Not the Enemy
Our world does this. One glimpse of American politics shows this. If someone disagrees, a nasty comeback is expected. Sin is the enemy. The devil is the enemy. Other Christians are not. Lost people are not. Disagreeing about a standard or worship style does not give you liberty to voice your displeasure in them. In fact, the Bible doesn't give you an option of separating from them. See Matthew above, love is the only option.
Stop Being Indifferent
Indifference is killing our churches. There are churches that need help. More importantly the world needs our help.
Romans 12:10-11 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
The word business is here is not talking about your occupation that feeds your family. It is referring to your job of brotherly love and preferring one another. Indifference is the opposite of this.
Realize Love Is Not Optional
I challenge every church and Christian to evaluate your love towards others and to fellow Christians. Are you actions loving or not loving? Isolation, making enemies, and being indifferent is not loving. There is no middle ground on this. There is no Scriptures about loving others only if they agree with you.