Issue 695 – Frogs in the Church – March 25, 2022
Spring is here. I heard frogs yesterday morning.
Frogs are one of God’s amazing creations. They can freeze solid for the winter and defrost alive in the spring. Scientists don’t fully understand how these hibernation defrost mechanisms work because, by every measure, the frogs should die and should not be able to be revived.
I love the sound (and taste, but that’s a story for another day) of frogs. Little bitty tree frogs call out peep, peep, peep in their high voices. Larger frogs along the shoreline tell us how far out in the water they are, knee-deep, knee-deep, knee-deep. Great bullfrogs croaking in deep hoarse voices, way down, way down, way down. Others in the midrange with their variable ribbit, rub it, ribbit, rub it.
Together they make an orchestral sound unlike anything else in the world. The diversity of their voices combined makes for a unique serenade to the creator.
Like the diversity in the sounds of frogs, the diversity in the body of Christ is a beautiful thing to behold. It is, however, an area that is often misunderstood.
The Bible calls us to unity.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-7.
The Bible doesn’t call all body parts to be the same. There is room for a great diversity of practice in many areas. There are many non-essential areas of theology where good and godly men and women can disagree in good conscience.
I have sometimes wondered why God permits such a broad range of things within one body. I believe it is to help form our character. Do we truly love our brothers and sisters in Christ? Or do we only love those who agree with us?
How do we handle it when true brothers and sisters in the faith view things differently?
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35
At times it looks like we love the world more than we love our Christian family, who we differ with.
I understand that there are lines that cannot be crossed in terms of true Christianity, and I don’t believe we are to fellowship with false churches (nor is true fellowship possible). Still, even though they may not be our family, we are to love them. Christ commands us to love even our enemies and those that persecute us.
The body consists of all believers, even those we don’t like. It is our opportunity to examine our own hearts, extend grace, and seek and offer forgiveness.
May the church’s voice rise up in true love and unity, bringing glory to our Holy Lord.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required.
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