Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Colossians 3:11
Let’s face it, America is divided. We are divided on seemingly every possible issue. Even among Christians, there is division, but we need to unite on at least these: Christ is the ONLY way to salvation, and we must spread His love and salvation to every person.
As soldiers in God’s Army, we must recruit as many members as possible. That means preaching God’s word to those who look different, believe differently, and even to those who vote differently. Christ says in Matthew 28:18-20, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jesus says to make disciples of ALL nations. He wants us to make disciples of everybody. We may experience ridicule or other obstacles due to our beliefs, but that does not mean we give up on specific demographics all together. Our job is to get them to the cross of Jesus Christ.
If there is a fellow Christian that believes, is doing something, or spreading something that goes against any part of God’s Word, we must respectfully disagree with them. God’s Word is our ultimate authority, and we must pray for God to change their hearts and minds. If a fellow Christian believes something we simply dislike, but is not against God’s Word, then we need to accept their difference and move on.
Christ says in Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus came near them and said, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Jesus says to make disciples of ALL nations. He wants us to make disciples of everybody. Yes, we may experience ridicule or other obstacles due to our beliefs, but that does not mean we give up altogether on those who disagree with us. Our job is to get ALL to the cross of Jesus Christ.
If there is a fellow Christian that believes, is doing something, or spreading something that goes against any part of God’s Word, we must respectfully disagree with them. God’s Word is our ultimate authority, and we must pray for God to change their hearts and minds. If a fellow Christian believes something we simply dislike, but is not against God’s Word, then we need to accept our differences and move on.
When the infantry is pinned down in battle, they don’t scoff at the fighter pilot that is giving them air support. They work together and realize that each of their efforts helps win the battle. The Army is governed by multiple regulations. If my fellow Soldiers are keeping those regulations, and are dutiful Soldiers, then I do not disown them or fight with them over other things about which we disagree. As long as they follow regulations, then that it is my only concern from the viewpoint of a Soldier.
As noted in the opening verse from Colossians, once we receive salvation, our identity is in Christ. Every person has a different life experience, and that shapes their beliefs. It may take more time for Christ to work on them than others. If they are following God’s Word, and not perverting it, all other disagreements are meaningless and should not stand in the way of Christians working together.
Christ broke with many traditions to spread His love to all people. He dined with tax collectors, talked to women, and reproached the religious community. Paul was the same way, he says in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings.
As Christians, we need to save as many people as we can. This demands that we get out of our comfort zone, start showing compassion, and open our ears up to listen to people with different views.
Pray God will open your heart to what truly matters, and ask Him to help you win as many souls to Christ as possible.
