MUSINGS ON CHRISTIAN HARMONY, #10: Simple, but not easy

Look over there-- see those hikers with all their equipment? When you ask them what it's for, they say, “With this gear we will climb Mount Everest.” Their answer is simple, yet it might be the hardest thing they will do in their lives. And that is the metaphor to embrace as we conclude this series. Can we actually experience and enjoy Christian harmony? The answer is simple, but it is certainly not easy.

Here’s the simple answer: The Bible is all-sufficient. That's not a glib or dismissive way to push difficult questions aside. If we want Christian harmony, we must read the Bible and then actually Do What It Says (read that phrase slowly). When the Bible says, “Christ Himself is our peace, who has broken down the middle wall of separation” (see Ephesians 2:14), we are going to have to start living as if that is true.

--If Christ is our peace, then change your tone. Christian conversation is peaceful. If you love to argue, you are wrong. If you aren't building up the faith of others, you are wrong. If you don’t speak with grace, you are wrong (Ephesians 4:29).

--If Christ is our peace, then accept your brethren. Go out of your way to prove you enjoy fellowship with Christians different from yourself (Acts 11:17). And if you don’t enjoy it yet, fake it till you make it, by God’s transforming power. There won’t be ethnic neighborhoods in heaven.

--If Christ is our peace, then discuss ideas. Don’t become angry or insulted when someone sees things differently. Listen. Grow. Change. If someone might be your eyes, why remain blind (compare 1 Corinthians 12:21)?

--If Christ is our peace, then call out sin. Too many Christians with assertive personalities have gotten away with sinful words and actions. We are going to have to correct them. We are going to have to stop saying, “That’s just how he is,” or “That’s just her way.” And divisive, aggressive attitudes should be disqualified from Christian leadership (2 Timothy 2:24).

I am aware that some believe the Bible is not, in fact, all-sufficient. Even some Christians have embraced various theories and sociologies about race and personhood, believing them to be required reading because the Scriptures do not seem to be enough. For the Church, though, this is perilous and untenable. Certainly it’s true that unbiblical expositions, including the “curse of Ham” (Genesis 9), have been used to perpetuate inequalities in the past.

But let us affirm that the Scriptures are indeed profitable for all things which pertain to life and godliness! The answer is simple: Christ is our peace, and the Bible is sufficient. That doesn’t mean it will be easy. We don’t just prescribe two Bible verses and tell people to call us in the morning. It will be messy, and it will be hard.

But there is something glorious in doing something hard, especially when God Himself has equipped us for the climb. So now, take a step.

MUSINGS ON CHRISTIAN HARMONY, #9: The two sides of “No”

It’s time for a follow-up question. To review, we have affirmed that Christian harmony is both an established fact and an essential goal. We have identified some thoughts and habits which keep us from enjoying true harmony. We have acknowledged the terrible ideas which treat Christians (and anyone else) differently due to ethnicity, skin color, and other classifications.

Here, then, is the follow-up question: Are these the only problems we face in the Church? There are two answers to that question, and they both start with “No.”

The first “No” response is this: “No, so don’t focus on them exclusively.” It’s not good to become a specialist who is known for only one subject. Even Bible writers who emphasize certain themes cannot be completely pigeonholed. Paul taught many truths about the Church but also spoke pointedly about the kingdom of God. Peter emphasized kingdom truths but also taught the spiritual house and holy priesthood of the Church.

Even the most wholesome, delicious foods would become tiresome if we ate them exclusively. Scripture supports the need for variety. In time to come, the tree of life will bear 12 types of fruit; and at present, the wise steward of the house sets out both timely food and a diversity of treasures (Revelation 22:2; Luke 12:42; Matthew 13:52).

In our days we face so many challenges in Christian congregations! If people can predict the subject you are going to discuss before you even begin, it's a signal to diversify the food you are setting out for the Lord’s sheep. The manifold grace of God, like a finely cut gemstone, has so many beautiful facets that it would be a shame to appreciate only one or two.

But returning to our question, the second “No” is equally important. Are problems of unrest and discord the only ones we face? We reply, “No-- but that doesn’t mean they don’t matter.” Every problem is important. The Lord Jesus forgave the sins of the paralytic, but He also enabled the man to walk again. He taught the multitudes, but He also fed them. He raised up Lazarus, but He also wept with Mary and Martha.

It is tone-deaf at best and insulting at worst to notice a problem and then change the subject. If I go to the doctor with a broken arm, it might also be true that my cholesterol is high and my hearing is bad-- but, to be frank, I don’t want to discuss those things at the moment. If a brother or sister is facing a specific trouble right now, don’t say, “What about these other problems?” It's biblical to meet urgent needs (Titus 3:14), offering real help instead of empty blessings (James 2:15-16).

Yes, the root cause of all our problems is sin. Yes, we all need to search our own hearts. And no, prejudice and inequality are not the only problems Christians face. But that doesn’t mean the needs of this moment are not important. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might,” because this moment is all we have (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

MUSINGS ON CHRISTIAN HARMONY, #8: People matter most

Back in 2012, some New Yorkers took a second look at their doorstop when an auction house ad caught their attention. Their little doorstop turned out to be a 600-year-old Chinese flask from the Ming Dynasty, and it later sold for $1.3 million.

In the Christian family, relationships are often taken for granted, too. If trouble interrupts the relationship-- well, it’s only a doorstop, and although we might miss it we can always find another one. But Christian harmony is far more precious than that! Here are five principles to apply:

--People matter most. If we disagree, do we mainly try to convince each other or get along with each other? Whether the concern involves vital principles, local church discipline, or simply matters of personal conscience, responses are only biblical if accompanied by a persistent effort to maintain relationships.

--Discussion is biblical. While rejecting clearly anti-orthodox teachings (Jude 1:3; 2 John 1:7-11), we must at least try to understand other ideas. Heavenly wisdom is, among other things, easily entreated (James 3:17), a phrase variously translated as “open to reason” or “willing to yield.” We expose our fleshly attitudes if we simply refuse conversation.

--Confirmation bias is real. In recent months, many have posted articles on social media with the comment, “Just as I thought!” or something similar. This is not wise. It takes no effort to become entrenched in our own views. Personal growth and Christian harmony depend on seeking to understand other viewpoints.

--Disagreements are often legitimate. It’s the way we disagree that matters. “I see it differently” is a much better phrase than “You are so wrong.” Besides, if things were as obvious as you think, there would be nothing to discuss! If you know someone who honestly sees things differently, especially a Christian you have trusted in the past, why don’t you value those ideas now? (Note: This truth is not a hammer to use against others but a mirror to use for ourselves.)

--Divided paths are not divided hearts. Some disagreements might affect certain levels of Christian fellowship, but that is no reason to discredit, demean, or demonize another believer. In the Old Testament, Abraham and Lot ended up living separately, and later Lot’s testimony even became rather questionable; but when Lot was in trouble, Abraham went to rescue the one he still considered “his brother” (Genesis 14:14, 16).

Right now Christians face challenging questions not to be ignored, some about health and others about prejudice. But what will we do if we disagree about wearing masks or seeking justice? The enemy of our souls will be only too happy to help us discover ungracious thoughts, insulting remarks, and divisive attitudes. Christian harmony displays God’s own heart. People matter most.

MUSINGS ON CHRISTIAN HARMONY, #7: Fellowship differently

Based on Acts 16, it seems evident that the first Christians in Philippi included both a well-to-do businesswoman and a recently released servant girl (previously demon-possessed and treated like a carnival act by her masters). This type of socio-economic gap among believers was not unusual. Some Christians were servants and some were masters, and both rich and poor would commonly fellowship together (1 Timothy 6:2; Philemon 1:16).

In the Church, though, God expected those differences to be meaningless. Economic status had no bearing on spiritual status. Poor believers could literally boast about how God had elevated them to an equal status with anyone else, while rich believers were supposed to feel excited that they were nobody special among the congregation (James 1:9-10).

But rich folks were also responsible to see the needs of their brethren. “Whoever... sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” asked the apostle John (1 John 3:17). Unfortunately, this was inconsistently practiced. For example, when the local church at Corinth held a fellowship dinner of sorts, one was hungry while another was drunk (1 Corinthians 11:21), which implies that at least some were still abusing the privileges of wealth with no regard for others.

In our thoughts, these principles should extend to privileges and backgrounds of all types. Are you a CEO during the week? Big deal-- don’t act like one in the Church. Are you the lowest paid person at your part-time job? When among other Christians, your spiritual gift will make room for you. Are you recognized in the Church for your spiritual work of teaching, administration, or some other leadership role? Don’t become drunk with your status while others are hungry.

The key is this: We must fellowship differently. When Peter found it easier to eat only with people like himself, he had to be corrected (Galatians 2:12-14). We need the same reminder. When you are with other Christians during a meeting, a conference, a meal time, sit intentionally with people different from you. We have Christ in common! It glorifies God when the name of His Son is acknowledged as the basis of our practical fellowship.

Don’t do this to check off some spiritual box of achievement. Don't do it with a condescending attitude, showing kindness towards people you still think are beneath you. Do it because you want to display the deeply beautiful truth that you are neither more important nor less important than anyone else.

If you have received wealth or education or any other distinction in this world, don’t tell brothers or sisters, “Come now, be happy because we all have the same blessings,” while your actions expose a sense of disregard for their viewpoints or spiritual gifts. Fellowship differently. Fellowship with intention. Fellowship with God’s glory in view.

MUSINGS ON CHRISTIAN HARMONY, #6: The sins of the past

On occasion, God spotlights bright examples of faithfulness. The prophet Daniel was one of those. During the years of Judah’s captivity, the Lord contrasted Daniel’s personal righteousness with the overflowing wickedness of an unfaithful land (Ezekiel 14:13, 14, 20).

Yet when we read Daniel’s own prayer, we hear a brokenhearted cry of confession and repentance. In summary, he says: “O Lord, we have sinned, rebelling against Your precepts and ignoring Your prophets. We are so ashamed! You delivered us from the land of Egypt and made us Your people, but we did terrible things! We come to You not because of our righteous deeds but because of Your great mercies. Forgive us!” (Daniel 9:4-20).

Why would God commend such a wicked man? The answer is that Daniel had not personally rebelled, but he identified himself with the people who had. Instead of saying, “Stay away from me, I am holier than thou” (did you know that’s a Bible expression? See Isaiah 65:5 in the King James Version), Daniel acknowledged his part in the failures of his nation as he confessed the sins of their past. Later, in the times of Ezra and Nehemiah, similar prayers are recorded (interestingly, each again in chapter 9).

The Church today is divided into many denominations and factions. God had intended His people to gather simply as Christians, meeting together on the principle that there is one Body of Christ. Applying the attitude of Daniel, it is sometimes remarked that we believers must acknowledge our collective failure in this regard if we are going to embrace God’s design.

How true! But are we willing to apply that perspective to every aspect of Christian harmony? Are we willing to acknowledge the sins of the past even if we have not participated in them?

In the history of our Christian gatherings, have brothers and sisters ever been slighted, disrespected, or treated as second-class Christians because of their skin? Have Christian parents ever told their children not to play with boys and girls of other families because of their ethnicity? Have Christian young people ever been told not to come home from college with a boyfriend or girlfriend of a different color? Have we ever heard Christians express discomfort about fellowshipping with believers who look different from themselves?

In reality, these things are current, not merely historical. But even if you feel they only happened long ago, or even if you feel you have never personally participated in them, are we at least willing to admit their existence? Are we willing to cry to the Lord, asking His forgiveness for these shameful displays of disunity? Christians have been divided, and we are part of the failure.

Let’s not say, “It wasn’t me.” Let’s join with righteous Daniel, whose anguished cry still echoes now: “O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! …for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”

MUSINGS ON CHRISTIAN HARMONY, #5: Conflict and opportunity

Years ago I was at a Bible conference on Philippians 4, a chapter which, among other things, mentions two Christian women who were at odds. (Imagine being told that God put your name in the Bible! Then imagine finding out it’s because you were arguing.) Anyway, one person at the conference made the comment that it’s simply normal Christian life for conflicts to happen.

I considered that. It’s true, but it doesn’t go far enough. Normal Christian life is when we deal with conflict, which is the point in Philippians 4. There is so much to say about this subject, but I will focus here on just one point: Every Conflict Is An Opportunity (capital letters added to get your attention).

Think about that. It’s tremendous, actually! Many Bible passages teach us how to address conflict, but our only opportunity to apply them is when we face conflict. It’s our big chance to show that the Bible way of living works. In a weird way, it’s almost exciting to be able to say, “Wow, we aren’t getting along! Now we have a chance to do what God says to do when that happens!”

But we don’t do that, do we? We have reproduced the world’s problems in the Church. We avoid people we disagree with; we shun them; we block them; we mock their ideas and attack their character; we speak against them; we tell others to be careful around them; and we hold grudges, sometimes for years. If the Lord Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus because of what sin had done in the world, is He not also grieved because of what conflict has done to relationships in the Church?

In a world stained by conflicts, it ought to be that non-Christians say to each other, “Why can’t we get along like those Christians? What do they have that allows them to address conflicts so effectively?” Instead, our divisive behavior in the Church is a byword and a reproach, a mockery of the unity Christ has established by giving Himself.

We Christians have allowed conflicts to divide us on Facebook and social media. We have allowed conflicts to divide local gatherings of believers. We have even allowed conflicts to divide our families. Should it ever be the case that one Christian simply refuses to speak to another? 

We have to change the words and expressions we use. Don’t belittle another believer. Jesus Christ never wanted to win an argument. He wanted to win a person. And today it is still a spiritual victory every time a conflict is addressed and a relationship is preserved. Every conflict is an opportunity to emphasize that I value not just ideas but you.

Current events are pretty tense right now. Different Christians see things differently, and discord is never far away. But don’t let a good conflict go to waste! This takes Very Hard Work, but the outcome will be beautiful. It’s your next opportunity to gain a spiritual victory for the glory of God through Christian harmony.

MUSINGS ON CHRISTIAN HARMONY, #4: The brotherhood

Before the apostle Peter started following Jesus, he was part of a fishing business. He and his brother Andrew were partners with James and John, and apparently they often hired other fishermen besides (Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:4-10).

For that reason, I find it very intriguing that Peter is the only Bible writer who used the term “brotherhood” to describe the Christian family. “Love the brotherhood,” he wrote (1 Peter 2:17), which has a different slant than simply saying, “Love your brother.” The 19th-century Bible scholar James Strong compared it to our English word “fraternity” (although I’m sure he didn’t have today’s wild college frat-boy stereotype in mind).

In Peter’s fishing business, any plans for repairing boats or purchasing new equipment would have to pass the “Is it good for the group?” test. Anything Peter did would affect James, and anything John did would affect Andrew. At a much deeper level, that’s how we should think of Christian harmony. By virtue of our common faith in Jesus Christ, we are a brotherhood! Anything I do will affect you; and whatever I do should be good for the group, not just for me.

Of course we should embrace all fellow Christians personally; but we should also love the fact that a global community of believers exists. As Christians, you and I both have permanent membership cards for that divine, fraternal alliance. Moreover, the real proof comes during times of trouble. In the only other New Testament use of the word, Peter reminded Christians that they share the sufferings “experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:9).

I saw a friend post something that bears affirming: As a Christian, I have a closer relationship with any other Christian than with anyone else, even someone of my own ethnicity, heritage, or other classification. 

I am a white American of Germanic and Scottish descent. Yet I have a closeness of relationship with Christians who are Asian or black that I can never have with anyone who is not a Christian believer-- even someone named Karl-Jürgen McDougal, or even a blood relative.

This is something to enjoy-- something to relish and even boast about! Look what God has done in the Church through the work of Jesus Christ! People have tried for millennia to join themselves together, but opposing forces always drive apart those very same proponents of unity. Yet Christian harmony means we are members of one another and of the brotherhood of Christ.

MUSINGS ON CHRISTIAN HARMONY, #3: Shibboleth

This is the story of how one Hebrew word led to the slaughter of 42,000 people. 

Somewhere around 1100 BC, as described in Judges 12 of the Old Testament, civil war broke out in Israel between the tribe of Ephraim and the people of Gilead. When those from Ephraim retreated, the Gileadites forced everyone crossing the Jordan River to say, “Shibboleth,” the Hebrew word for an ear of grain. But the dialect of Ephraim did not include the “sh” sound, so they would say, “Sibboleth.” They were exposed as Ephraimites and paid with their lives.

“Shibboleth” has now actually become an English word (although you’re more likely to hear it at a spelling bee than in everyday conversation). Its meaning refers to a catch phrase or a password of sorts-- something people say to show they are part of the group.

We could say there is a Christian shibboleth: “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). It’s tremendous! God Himself came to earth as a Man, Jesus Christ, and our confession that He is the Son of the living God is the bedrock of our salvation (1 John 4:2; Matthew 16:16-18).

However, there are no biblical tests for Christian harmony.* This sounds simple, but it is profound. It means that we always need to act from the perspective that all of us, as Christians, are already part of the group-- not our group, but Christ’s.

This is important when we analyze the tensions of current events. Sometimes it seems as if one Christian is surrounded by others who demand, “Say ‘shibboleth!’ Say it now!”-- except instead of “shibboleth” it’s some declaration of allegiance or proof of support.

As Christians of any particular ethnicity or heritage, we shouldn't demand that Christians from other backgrounds must say things a certain way before we can trust them. Our ideas might even be true, and conversations about them might be very important. But if we have already assumed the reality of Christian harmony, let's not allow a shibboleth to divide what God has already joined together.

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*Some may note that Christian *fellowship* can be affected by other important beliefs and practices, but that’s not the point here. Christian harmony simply means that I value every relationship with every Christian believer, as discussed in article #1 of this series.

MUSINGS ON CHRISTIAN HARMONY, #2: What do you need?

One of the beautiful things about Christian harmony is the opportunity to bear one another’s burdens. In fact, Galatians 6:2 says that by doing so we will “fulfill the law of Christ.”

Bearing someone’s burden is the law of Christ because it’s the way He lived when here on earth. He carried each weakness and sorrow like it was His own (Matthew 8:17; compare Isaiah 53:4). In addition, He gave a new commandment to His followers: “Love one another” (John 13:34); and we have the chance to “fulfill” that law-- to add what is lacking until the container is full.

It’s not that the Lord Jesus is unable to help His followers with their burdens today. He is! Still, He’s not here in person. We are. We actually have the opportunity to join in and complete the work that Jesus began.

That’s why it’s a beautiful expression of Christian harmony to notice what other Christians need. Perhaps there is a grieving husband whose wife has gone to heaven. We go visit, and we say, “I just want you to know I’m here. What do you need? I want to bear this burden with you.” 

Of course, we would never leave such a man’s house and say, “I can’t believe he never asked me what I need! He is so self-centered!” We understand that he is grieving. Right now, it’s more about him than about us.

Now, stay with me. If you are a Christian who is white, and you have Christian friends who are black, the way to fulfill the law of Christ is to go and ask them what they need right now. I know that you have burdens too. But they are grieving and fearful and anxious and maybe angry. They can feel the police officer’s knee on their own necks, and they wonder if it would ever happen to their sons. I know this is true because I have heard it in more than one conversation with my friends.

One day those friends will help you carry one of your burdens, too. But right now, it’s more about them than about you. Don’t be insulted or skeptical if they say they need you. In the Church, we are members of one another, and this is your next chance to fulfill the law of Christ.

MUSINGS ON CHRISTIAN HARMONY, #1: Established fact, essential goal

I’d like to share some occasional thoughts, as they come to mind, for my Christian friends. We are living in difficult times, but we can affirm that Christian harmony remains both 1) an established fact and 2) an essential goal.

First, unity and harmony are established facts because of the work of Jesus Christ. He prayed that His followers would be made one (John 17:11, 21, 22); and we can say that His prayer has already been answered because the Church has been formed, and now every believer has the same dignity in the eyes of God. Economic status, gender, social standing, and ethnic differences are broken down (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:11-19; Colossians 3:11).

This doesn’t mean that personal identity (in my case, a white American male) disappears. As Christians, our individuality is still preserved and, it seems, will even be identifiable in heaven (Revelation 5:9, 7:9). What it means, though, is that being a white American, a black Nigerian, or an Asian Filipino neither confers nor diminishes any sort of status when we are together as Christian believers. From God’s viewpoint, the global Church is the most beautiful tapestry of interwoven fabrics in the entire world.

But wait-- there's more! Christian harmony is also an essential goal. Ephesians 4:3 requires Christians to live in a worthy manner by “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” The word “endeavoring” is full of action. It implies intention, energy, work, diligence, earnest care, eagerness, speed. Some Bible translations say, “Make every effort!” Remember when you were a kid and you ran with reckless abandon across the street when you saw your friend? It’s just like that.

But is that the kind of effort and intention we are showing when it comes to displaying the unity of the Spirit? What’s more, Ephesians 4 tells us that it is done with lowliness, gentleness, bearing with one another in love. Are we willing to run, quickly and with abandon, to the place of humility and peace in order to enjoy practical Christian harmony?

By the way, if right now you are thinking of Christians who look different from you, and you’re saying to yourself, “Yes, those Christians really ought to do more of this”-- if you’re thinking that, then it means this message is for you, not them. It’s a message for me, not others.

So if you feel the need to disagree with a fellow believer, okay, there is a place for that. But you and I must, at the very same moment, make every effort to express that we care about relationships and unity. It’s the only attitude which honors that lovely, worthy name of Jesus Christ by which we are called.

(This subject is much more complex, and perhaps it will not surprise you that I have more to say! Stay tuned if you want.)