If You Love Jesus, You'll Do This

I love how the 2nd chapter of this book starts. Paul basically says, if you love Jesus, this is what you should do: make every effort to be united as Christians. Jesus came to earth to save us from our sin so that we could tell others about Him so that He could save them too! It's really quite simple. But we make it so complicated sometimes. We can find a million things to divide us, and we do it all the time. Sometimes it seems like we can't agree on anything, that is why there are a billion churches in every city, not because there are so many people, but because we can't get along! At the end of the day, who wants to be a part of something like that? I love the quote from Real Life Discipleship where the author says, 'People have enough drama in their regular lives, why would they want to come to our drama filled buildings on the weekend?'

I'm not saying we should let go of doctrine. God's word is clear and uncompromising. What I am saying is that it's time to focus on what actually matters. At the end of the day, most of the things that are sources of drama in our churches don't actually matter.

I think what Paul is getting at here is pretty simple: If you love Jesus and are grateful for being saved, then let the little stuff go for the sake of unity and show love! The mission of the church is more important than our petty preferences. Where else in the world can you find 5 or 6 generations in the same room every week? What a testimony if they all love each other! A church that is known for love is unstoppable. If we don't have love, we're just a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. How can people who don't love each other expect anyone to believe their message that Jesus loves them? Without love, we're wasting our time.

Enjoy the Journey