John 17: 21a May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. (HCSB)
Accept One Another
Far too many issues divide Christians today. Recently I've participated in discussions about a couple of these issues (instrumental music, and the role of women in the church). Those discussions have been enlightening.
On these two issues I find myself on opposite sides. I do not have a conscientious objection to worshipping with instrumental music, putting me on the permissive side of that debate. However, I do have a conscience issue with women speaking publicly in a worship service, putting me on the restrictive side of the question. Participating in these two discussions has shown me what it feels like for people on both sides of a disputed question.
I won't get into the specifics of my beliefs on these topics here. You can read my post commenting on instrumental music
here, and the thread where I posted on the role of women
here.While I do not believe it is wrong to use instrumental music in worship, I respect those who believe it is wrong. Their belief is derived from scripture honestly, based on a certain hermeneutic, and is well though-out. There are many who hold that belief sincerely and with deep conviction, despite the extreme unpopularity of the belief. Their conviction and integrity is commendable. I know how it feels to hold such a conviction because I hold a similarly unpopular conviction on the subject of the women's role.
Many who hold the permissive view on one of these subjects cannot imagine how an honest person could hold the opposing view. So they conclude that the other person must be dishonest, or illogical, or biased. The motives of the conservative person are often called into question. The discussion descends into ad hominum arguments. That is not constructive, and is not "walking in love" (Rom 14:13-15).
If there is any hope of restoring unity to the Lord's church, we must learn to accept one another without passing judgment on one another on disputable matters.
It apparently is possible to condemn yourself by approving something God does not approve:
Rom 14:22-23 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
I do not know whether approving instrumental music or approving women preaching would fit into the category of a person condemning himself by what he approves. But it is quite clear that a person who believes one of these to be wrong, yet practices it anyway, is risking condemnation. Therefore we should be quite careful to respect the convictions of those who believe such things to be wrong. They have no choice but to follow their consciences.
For the sake of the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17, let's resolve not to put a stumbling block in our brother's way.