One of our greatest temptations, or maybe even vanities, is to think of ourselves as the most correct personification of Christianity. We think that those who share our mannerisms are right and those who don’t, well, they are just poor souls. Thank God for our belief in charity that allows us to treat one another with courtesy!
However, we should have more than just good manners that keep us proper in our fellowship. We should have a conviction and faith that the only perfect One is in heaven, and that we all are but imperfect shadows of His perfect image.
I am not advocating compromise of doctrine. I believe that a preacher who believes one doctrine, but won’t mention it because he knows those he stands before don’t believe it, is not a gentleman, but rather given to deceitful ways.
I believe we should all stand for what we know to be true. But at the same time, we must remember how we came to know the truth–by denying our way and our thoughts unto being open minded to God to show us through His Word. Sometimes, after we come to know some things in God’s Word, we then start closing our minds to everything but our own ways and our own thoughts. Thus, some of the things that we then contend for as being the right way, are really no more than the projections of our human imperfections.
It is amusing sometimes when opposite projections meet. When this happens, we usually think to ourselves of how right our way is and how far off base the other person’s way is. In defense of our way, we will usually ad lib on anything that compliments our way, while resisting anything that testifies in behalf of the other way.
We all need to have the door open to grow in grace and in knowledge of the truth. We will best do this by observing and open-mindedly considering things. It is surprising how we can improve ourselves this way: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17 This will not happen, however, if we despise the other for their differences.
Sometimes, both are working from imperfect positions and both need to take a step toward the direction of the other. Some may need to loosen up a bit, while others need to tighten up equally.
Some things just testify of the need to take a closer look spiritually. When our way of projecting ourselves starts becoming an offense unto others of like faith and doctrine, it calls for a closer look.
Thank God that we can all look to Him that He might perfect that which concerneth us. May we consider how glorious it will be when we are all delivered from our imperfections and made perfect in Christ!
SHARING
