There are many ways one can get to Scotland from London – car, train, airplane, etc. Though the destination may be the same, if we go via different methods, we are all separated. Similarly, the reason why we find it difficult to become one as a church is typically because of the different journeys we have, more so than a difference in destination.
For God’s glory! To spread the gospel to the ends of the nations! For God’s will to be done! Though we are heading towards the same destination, we may not necessarily be taking the same method of getting there. For example, let us consider that for church A, God has designated evangelism as the method of transportation(?), and for church B, generational education. But if a member of church A emphasizes generational education, the church will become divided.
Naturally, just like an orchestra, a church must be composed of multiple different types of people for it to be a healthy one. However, each church has a different calling according to the times, its location, and members. Therefore, instead of benchmarking other churches and seeking to copy them, or complain that one’s previous church was not like this, though the declaration may be based on the Bible, it may cause a division. Just like how our individual callings are different, each church has its own calling too, and so we must pay attention to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
Controversial issues such as tithe or holy water also stir up discussion, with each side referencing Bible verses and arguing pros and cons. However, what is most important is to be conscious that it is the decision of the ‘church’ as to how we understand a particular topic. Regardless of what form, we must raise our offerings to the Lord, and based on the evidence provided by the Lord that we should not be alone, if the church you are part of has decided that tithe is something that we should apply into our lives despite it being a ritual from the Old Testament, we should follow it. If we have decided that Sunday is the most appropriate time to come together to worship, we should follow that too.
Using the aforementioned example, if the church has decided to go to Scotland via train, then we should all ride the train. Therefore unless the decision made by the church goes against the Bible, we should do our best to follow it with our hearts and minds. No matter how different your thoughts and opinions, it is best for you to follow the church.
Abraham wanted to choose the better land as the uncle, but in order not to clash with his family, he allowed Lot to take the better land. Moses may have wanted to stay as the Pharoah’s daughter’s son, but he decided to be with God’s people, and thus entered the difficult wilderness.
From June onwards, God’s Vision Church will like to slowly convert back to offline services. I trust that our community will follow this direction. Though there may be some people who go on ahead, and there are some who fall behind, what is important is that we are all on the same mode of transportation. As the church is the Lord’s body, if we believe the Bible is the truth, we should follow the church in order to follow the Lord.
