Now let me ask you this: In this world of complete harmony, does everyone agree? Does everyone share the same opinions? Or is it a place where everyone has their own opinions and ideas but no one shares them out loud? Is it possible to live in a world of harmony but yet disagree with some of life's issues? That my friends is a HUGE question....
In today's world there are so many places people share their opinions and beliefs. Social media....blogs... face to face conversations....texts...newspapers...news media..the list could go on and on. Opinions, thoughts, feelings are everywhere we look. Not everyone shares our same opinions and in America, usually....supposedly, this idea that we are all different is something we are called to celebrate. But lately it seems that it's only cause to celebrate if the person shares our same opinion...
Go on Facebook at any given time and you can find a hot topic post. Once you do this go ahead and click on the comments section. When I do this I'm usually left heart broken. Not only do I see non-Christians attacking Christians....I also see CHRISTIANS going after non-Christians...and even worse yet....Christians attacking CHRISTIANS. Everyone frantically trying to get their own opinions out....wanting their voice to be heard. And in the process of doing what is their right to do...they are taking casualties. Insults are being flung around like they are no big deal. Like there aren't real people on the other side of the screen with real heart felt feelings. Name-calling...cursing one another out...belittling...it's all there and it seems we as a human race have started to see it as our God given right to treat one another this way. Because, you see, we are being taught that when someone doesn't agree with us that we need to fight to the death to protect our opinions. Like if we for some reason don't keep fighting for it, our ideas and opinions will be taken away from us. We are being taught our opinions are right and everyone else is always wrong. We are being taught that we are entitled to do as we please when we please. We are taught that having a difference of opinion somehow gives us the right to rip to shreds everyone who differs from us.
As a Christian, I am embarrassed and heartbroken when I find conversations where such things are happening. Especially when I see members of the body of Christ are partaking in such acts. What does the bible ask of us?
"So then let us aim for harmony in the church & try to build each other up..."
Romans 14:19
"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you to live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus."
Romans 15:5
"Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow in maturity. ENCOURAGE each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you."
2 Corinthians 13:11
When I read these verses, I don't dream of world where everyone is the same and has the same opinions. After all God created each of us as unique. What I do dream of is a place where people aren't afraid to share their own in fear that they will be viciously attacked. I do not think the bible calls us to never disagree with anyone. After all we all called to proclaim who He is and preach the gospel. The whole world will NEVER whole heartedly agree to that. But I do think it calls us to share our opinions and beliefs in love. As followers of Christ we should be leading the pact with this. But sadly, I fear, we are miserably failing at it.
"A gentle answer deflects anger,
but harsh words make tempers flair.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,
but the mouth of the fool belches out foolishness."
Proverbs 15:1-2
When being pulled down into such evil, remember this verse. The harsh words never win, love & gentleness do. Let God's teaching, wisdom, and knowledge fill your soul when sharing your opinions. Let them be dripping with love and gentleness. Speak and share when He says share and when He says quiet....stay quiet.
Let us show this tired, sad, longing for a savior world who Christ really is....
Can people live in harmony while still sharing their differing opinions? I say the answer is YES!
Friends let's show them by being the example of this. We can and should stand up for Christ. But above all...let's do it in LOVE.....
"Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom it gives.
Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say.....DO IT AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LORD JESUS. Giving thanks through Him to God the father.."
Colossians 3:14-17
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