I have recently been saddened by controversy in believing circles over matters of doctrine. When I was brought up, before I came to faith, my parents always warned us never to discuss religion or politics. However, here in the "Holy Land" and especially among believers, it seems as though that is just about all we can ever talk about!
Moreover, normally gentle individuals may write scathing letters, e- mails and "exposes" of another person's "erroneous" doctrine. Those who are brothers in the faith are often the most vindictive in their pharisaical pursuit to expose "heresies" and to "straighten out" the thinking of the other.
The truth is non-believers care nothing about our differences in doctrine. They look at our lives and judge our faith by how we live.
Do we lie? Are we prone to angry outbursts? Do we show concern for the poor? Are we kindhearted? Forgiving? Are we honest before the Lord and a few trusted friends about the areas with which we struggle? Are we accountable?
It has been said that we may be the only Bible our unsaved friends and neighbors will read. Do we exemplify the heart of God in word and deed? Can we stand the test of (Ephesians 4)?
If we find we fall short, we should not despair. We need only return to the intimate embrace of our Father, who desires to manifest his life to us and through us, that we and the world may know him, in Spirit and in truth.
"You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid... your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14, 16)
- 20 SEPTEMBER -