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.