One who is not against you is for you ...
John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
The sentiments offered by John in this passage remain in Christianity until this day. It is shameful the ways in which leaders with such biases divide the body of Christ into their own little fiefdoms. Throughout the ages people with small minds have majored on minor theological points and minored on major issues like love and unity. It is a sad commentary on the fleshly power mongering of church leaders who use all sorts of devices to divide rather than unite.
In contrast, Jesus calls John, and us, to a unity that transcends denominational doctrines. In a few words he boils it down to an issue of being for each other or against each other. Interesting that, in this passage, he does not speak of one who is for or against 'him' but for or against 'us'. Jesus understood the theology of division very well as he saw it in his religious leaders. It is why we need to live and love in such a way as to foster unity with all those who follow Jesus.
Help me Lord to not major on the minors. Help me to be for others who see things different than I do.
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It is interesting that one of the key things Paul characterizes as carnal is dividing into factions (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). We seem to have almost totally lost that perspective, almost seeing it as a virtue to fight over every minor issue. May God help all us, including me, to get past that.
ReplyDeleteMay God help me too Mike! Thanks for sharing.
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