Sometimes I get overwhelmed by all the different viewpoints in Christianity. I start wondering how we know what is right. I believe there is truth and that we can know it, so it is frustrating when it seems so fleeting and elusive.
Semantics are difficult, awkward, annoying and oh-so important. To ignore them would be disastrous. But, they also cause a lot of difficulty and division... even when the issue doesn't deserve it... even when both sides believe the same thing. I wish people understood each other as well as God understands us. H'm... wishful thinking indeed.
God uses people from all sorts of denominations and movements. Does God only use those who have their theology perfectly aligned? I certainly hope not and I don't believe so. Probably next to no one would be used by God in that case. (Or is that just pessimistic thinking?) What is important? I think the apostle Paul wrote something pretty good concerning this in his letter to a church in Ephesus.
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance [patient self control; restraint and tolerance] to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:1-6
Seeking peace, harmony and truth. (Yes, I believe it is possible to have all three together). We have all been called to follow Christ and serve His purpose, looking down on no one, but loving everyone. This doesn't mean accepting everyone's beliefs... accepting every belief relegates your own beliefs to a confusing incoherency (kinda like that sentence)... but it means accepting every person as loved and called by God. Our goal should be to help each other in that endeavour...together...solidarity in seeking God and His purpose. I want everyone to seek truth together and never be convinced that we know everything. How do we do this? Just like Paul said, 'with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.' What does that look like? I'm not sure exactly, but I'd like to try and find out.
