God's Great River of Diversity
The deeper the waters are, the more still they run. (Korean Proverb)
One of the greatest weaknesses in the church today is seen in our many distinctive and wonderful Christian traditions that stand apart and separated from one another. Today’s church is splintered and divided by doctrines and practices that, rather than being a source of contention, should serve as catalysts for our spiritual growth, maturity, and understanding of one another and God.
The truth is that we need each other. We are less than we should be without all of us. That’s because no one tradition, no specific denomination has cornered the market on truth. There are many reasons for this, but probably the biggest is found in the circumstances that gave birth to each denomination or tradition. Movements that gave birth to specific Christian traditions and practices often began as attempts to reform weaknesses and misguided practices within a particular tradition. When those attempts failed, a new denomination emerged.
Sadly, the new denomination has tended to throw the baby out with the bath water. The result is that beliefs and practices that should have been preserved are jettisoned. In time, the leaders of the “new” denomination build their churches around specific (and often rigid) theological systems and practices (that quickly become traditions, sacred cows, if you will). It isn’t long before the roles are reversed - the leaders of the new denomination become just as resistant to change and reform as their predecessors in the group from which they emerged.
I’ve missed several daily posts recently. We’ve sold our house in Pensacola and are working to close on our condominium in High Point. On top of all this, we have been busy with our new church, granddaughter, and just getting on a routine.
But the good news is we are getting to know our people at Embrace Church. And I am beside myself with thanksgiving for such a unique and spiritually-minded congregation. Yes, we are Baptist, but as I like to say during my years as pastor of Seoul International Baptist Church, we are Bigger than Baptist!
To recognize and rejoice in our denominational heritage is a good and healthy thing. But it is every bit as important to respect and learn from other Christian traditions and practices. That’s why I am going to spend this week focusing on God’s Great River of Diversity. Each of our Christian denominations and traditions are but tributaries flowing into one great river. In Christ, we are, together, a powerful witness of the Great Commission given to the church by our Lord, who commands us to “make disciples from all ethnic groups.” Our different cultures, traditions, practices, and even our beliefs are not causes for division but rather celebration. Celebration, not censorship, is the key to fulfilling our calling from Christ.
I hope you will take the time to read and reflect on these posts. We live in a divided and antagonistic world that desperately needs to be pointed to the source of unity and peace. And that source is Jesus.
In Christ,
Dan
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You can listen to my weekly messages at Embrace Church, High Point.