Diversity, mercy, and non-essentials

I found this video this morning and thought it appropriate to share. God has shown us so much in our experiences as we have traveled across the country, and plenty right here at home. Some churches lack diversity of race, while others reject those outside a certain income bracket or preferential acceptance. I was told recently that you cannot build a local church with only poor people, while I have also seen that a church in some areas of our land would welcome those of different skin colors in their midst, yet a black woman would never bring her children to "that white church" who would love to welcome any child of God into their fold. The suppositions and cultural barriers can be broken down, but it will not happen if we remain silent.

We have learned that there is much of God's Word that is very clear, while other portions seem to have a diversity of possible interpretations. While some essential doctrines such as the deity of Christ and the means of salvation are clearly spelled out, still some would pervert God's Word to make salvation a human accomplishment prepared by our works. Some have great convictions before the Lord that they must practice, and then impose these convictions on others without mercy. Sadly, I count myself in that group at times and for that I ask forgiveness. I often fail, and I thank those who have lovingly corrected me seeking restoration rather than wagging the finger back and ruining relationships over misunderstandings. The body of Christ is to be united, yet it seems to be at war so often.

In the course of our experience we have seen white churches, black churches, and socially diverse churches. We have seen poor churches, rich churches, and economically diverse churches. We currently live in a state with almost no racial diversity, and so the churches do not seem on first appearance to be ethnically diverse, yet these would welcome any to come who are called by the name of Jesus Christ. This video may be more appropriate in content with specific cultures and regions, yet it sparked within me a desire to see like Christ sees.

In recent days, we have seen that our culture rejects many Biblical traditions, and even some Biblical commands. Many churches are equally guilty of judging without knowledge and forcing people to take sides in non-essentials. Many churches will argue over the color of the carpet in a meeting hall while others sit around a fireplace in a home that barely fits the occupants in seats at all, with the children spilled out on the floor while they sing and praise the Lord in truth. There are also some that have ornate buildings designated for gatherings of Christians who have the same experience of true worship , while there could be dead tradition even in the home church. The truth will not be found in the surroundings, the background of those gathered, of racial or economical lines, but in the hearts of the worshipers who have been called out from the world for a time in order to worship, pray, have fellowship, to teach and be taught the Word of God. These will reenter the world after a time to reach out with love and mercy, saving others from the fire of God's judgment, in compassion wishing to show the love of Christ rather than the judgment of man.

The traditions of men have no place in the church of God, nor does the fear of following God alone no matter the consequence. Many have been persecuted for their faith and practice of God's Word while others have been cast aside from the fellowship of Christians just for having an opinion. This is not how Christ desires His Bride to be. His heart is hurting when He looks down on His divided Bride, the disjointed body in which the hand says to the foot "I have no need of you" and so the body of Christ is often failing to accomplish all the Father prepared for it to do. Will we walk away from our own ideas and suppositions, preferences and comfort zones, to follow Christ, or will we make our own ways higher than His ways?

Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Pray for wisdom and guidance as we seek to do His will outside denominational boundaries. May we act and speak what we say we believe.