That society around us is fragmenting comes as no surprise. In a fallen world, it’s hard to expect anything different than communities dissolving into isolated pockets with different, often opposing, goals. That such dissension invades the church isn’t a surprise, either, but it should be a concern.
Discord among Baptists is nothing new. Years ago church historian Walter Shurden wrote Not a Silent People, tracing the fights that have historically shaped Southern Baptists. But today, the controversies seem to hit at a pandemic level.
Now certainly, there are matters warranting a clear stand, and even hard words among fellow believers. But as we navigate them, it’s important to remember what binds us together in the first place.
When Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, multiple fault lines fractured their congregation. Yet, even before addressing the conflicts in particular, he says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and judgment,” (1 Cor. 1:10).
How would a church so conflicted arrive at such unity and agreement? Paul would explain that it rests on their focus upon the word of the cross, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God,” (1 Cor. 1:18). It’s the message of the cross that transcends our favored leaders (1 Cor. 1:12-17). It trumps all human wisdom (vs. 18-31). And it overshadows our talents and overcomes our weakness (1 Cor. 2).
Paul’s point, I believe, is that, whenever personalities or worldly philosophies pull us apart, Christians must return to our roots. Our unity rests on the fact that we are ALL sinners, that Jesus took our sin onto Himself as he hung on that cross, and that he arose victoriously so that, by faith in Him, our sin is forgiven and we follow Him as Lord. Anything that distracts from this core truth is just that, a distraction. What elevates this truth empowers the church and binds us more tightly together.
Bring every dispute back to this point and work from there. Because the cross is the tie that binds.
Blessings,
Jim