So many opinions, theologies, denominations, and traditions separate believers from one another. Especially when we’ve been raised within Christian households, we can be so quick to notice the “unbiblical” parts of a person or our differences with other believers that we forget to look at people the way God does. (1 Samuel 16:7) This revelation saddens me because I know the Lord loves nothing more than His children coming together to worship His name in unity and love! So, how do we bring change?
As I continued my study of John this month, I noticed how Yeshua spoke, interacted, and dwelt among the people. Everything He did, even when He confronted people about their sins, was done with humility and grace. No one is greater or less than in the Kingdom of God; Yeshua showed us this when He knelt to wash His disciples’ feet during the Last Supper. (John 13:1-17; Philippians 2:5-8)
Unfortunately, we have made a bad habit of putting people (or ourselves) on pedestals like they possess something more than our fellow believers. We are so tangled in the technicalities of things that we think “standing out” and isolating ourselves from those who preach or believe differently from us will make Yeshua’s light shine brighter, but it actually becomes a hindrance.
”I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” ~ John 13:15-16 NIV
No matter your beliefs, Yeshua’s time on earth taught us that walking in His ways leads to grace and freedom. When we tether ourselves to HIM rather than religion or man’s teachings, our ears are open to those crying out to God for deliverance. So, rather than focusing on what we disagree on, I believe that by returning to the foundation of our faith and asking God to help us see through His eyes, we’ll restore the bridge separating us from one another. (Colossians 2:2-3)
