We recently heard two special speakers - both of whom were of the same denomination. The contrast was interesting.
The first speaker shared concerning a church that has experienced exceptional growth and progress. Asked as to the cause of the church's "success," its pastor had mentioned their specific pursuit of a two-fold priority: 1.) devotion to God; and, 2.) meaningful concern for others.
The speaker then shared: "Is this church of our denomination? No, but that is not the point. The point is that they are glorifying God, and we should rejoice wherever and whenever God is glorified." He continued, "This, indeed, is where our own sense of objective should lie and I, for one, am becoming weary of organizational cause and promotion as its substitute." We could scarcely agree more.
In a subsequent service, the second speaker wished it clearly understood that, "I am "Brand X" (name of the denomination), "saved and sanctified, and in full agreement with everything the denomination stands for!" With something less than enthusiasm, he then acknowledged, "I am aware there are others going to heaven - but I wish they all belonged to "Brand X!"
At this point, one's mind unavoidably reverted to Paul's exhortation to Corinthian believers concerning their quest for identity and sense of cause in sectarian self focus (I Cor. 1:11-13; 3:1-7; 4:6-7) - and his own commitment to avoid such (II Cor. 4:5).
The angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner that repents - even if he does so in the church down the street (Luke 15:10). Can we not share the heavenly perspective?
Burl Ratzsch
