It isn’t Us vs. Them, but WE

The month of February is usually thought about as the month that focuses on love.

As Christians, we often quote John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”

But we seem to never quote John 3:17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

For me, as a Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) pastor, that second verse, John 3:17 is just as important.

Over the years, I have worked with many ecumenical and inter faith councils and have enjoyed the richness of being a part of the ministry together.

Over the years, I have also been told that I am “going to “h e doubled ‘toothpicks.’” because of my theology and view of the Scriptures.

And because I do not believe the way certain people or churches did, I was going to suffer worse because I was also leading my church members to hell also.

I have also received several anonymous letters over the years pointing out the errors of my way.

One time, I would love just to sit down around a cup of coffee and have a one-on-one dialogue with the person who wrote the letter.

We, Disciples of Christ, are about the important but completely messy ministry of unity.

As one of our founders, Barton Stone, said “Christian unity is our ‘polar star,’” because ecumenism is an important way of life and mission.

In all things, we as Disciples of Christ strive to practice the spiritual discipline in a manner that is both socially relevant and intellectually sound.

Our founders were imperfect human beings who observed the world they were living in was constantly dividing up and accusing the other of being an enemy or bound for hell.

They specifically noted that often, if not always, it was the church and its many human-created doctrines and tests of beliefs that created, or encouraged, a culture of fear through “right-belief” or the understanding that only our group has the faithful way of getting to heaven.

The early founders and members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) dreamed of a church and world in which people held their relationship with each other through God above all else.

They patterned their dream for the church on the life of Jesus who was always challenging religious authorities who promoted an us/them or an in/out kind of world.

Ours is a messy ministry because we human beings really like to think our view and understanding is the right way to see it.

But, we all read and hear the voice of the Holy Spirit differently in our limited minds.

It was a good dream and I do my best to help bring it into reality with everything I do in my faith life.

Our calling is to focus on who and why we are called to that place and time, and to rejoice with our family around the world and use our minds that were given to us to help discern what our path may be put before us through study, prayer and common sense.

Theologian Ben Cremer notes that being a Christian should feel like, “my love for others continues to deepen,” not “my beliefs are more correct than anyone else’s.”

As my favorite epistle writer reminds me, “But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say.” 1 Peter 3:15-16

As disciples, we come around God’s Welcoming table every week with those we agree with and those we don’t.

Being a disciple means we misunderstand and make mistakes, just like those disciples long ago.

The most important ideas we must show our love and compassion.

For God so loved the world…

Rev. Frank Chlastak began work as senior minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Poplar Bluff on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.