Philippians 1:15-18a
- 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
Sounds simple enough, right?
It isn’t.
I’ve probably read that passage a hundred times and never had a second thought. Yet, over the past few years I’ve also said and written many things about both Church and church (BIG C and little c); some private and some public. However, over the past few months I’ve really been tested when it comes to the method in which the gospel is presented. I still have my likes and dislikes when it comes to church, but methodology is not as important as I once made it to be. It doesn’t matter if you have an eighty voice choir or a five piece rock band if your theology is incorrect.
Does this mean I will be any less opinionated?
No.
But instead of speaking my mind every time I see a method or system I disagree with, I am going to be working very hard to keep my mouth shut.
Of course, if you are directly involved with that system and ask for my opinion, I’ll share. But to bash a person or group with someone who is not directly involved is nothing more than divisive, and that is something I don’t want to be.
Now, when it comes to theology, I WILL NOT hold back.
If I hear a pastor or church leader say something completely erroneous, I will not be ashamed to voice my dissent.
Thoughts?
