1 Corinthians 12:26 If
one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every
part rejoices with it.
For almost a year, I've been part of a
Presbytery team that has been in discussions with a small country charge which
is seeking to leave the denomination. It’s been a heart-breaking process and
one of the most painful pastoral duties I have ever had to do. The congregation
wants to leave the PCUSA because the people cannot abide recent policies and
decisions that the denomination has established. The wee church wants to cut
all existing ties with our Presbytery and go elsewhere.
I understand how they feel, but I also
grieve their eventual loss to the Presbytery. At a time when the brokenness of
the world needs healed, the disunity of the overall church is making us
ineffective across society. When one part of the body of Christ suffers and
dismembers itself from the whole, pain is felt throughout the entire body.
Instead of concentrating on our strengths, we are highlighting our differences.
Instead of celebrating the unity of the Church, we are displaying a disunity
that fragments witnessing to our faith.
I grieve the loss of the good people in
that small congregation. I wish and pray that we could find areas of common
ministry that would enable us to remain together. Sadly, pride gets in the way
and passion for religious righteousness hinders any healing. In my heart, I
believe that Jesus weeps over what we have become. Instead of truly being the
body of Christ, we have created our own bodies; instead of advancing the peace,
unity, and purity of the church, we have become enslaved to pride, unrest, and
polarization. It’s a crying shame because together we have so much to offer to
the world.
Questions for personal reflection
Why did Jesus
establish the Church? Why does the world need us to be united in our work for
God’s Kingdom?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are all sinners and
not one of us is perfect or pure. Despite our failings, You still call us to
serve You in the world. Please help us to stop focusing on the issues that
divide us by making us celebrate the beliefs that we commonly share. In Your
Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is a sinner who is grateful for His Savior. John serves Erin Presbyterian Church as its
pastor. If you would like to comment or ask questions about today’s message,
please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.
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