City Life Starter

Written by Stefan Johnsson

The Word

⁴⁹ John responded, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.”

⁵⁰ “Don’t stop him,” Jesus told him, “because whoever is not against you is for you.”

Luke 9:49-50 (HCSB)

²⁵ Knowing their thoughts, He told them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.

Matthew 12:25

Reflection

Having different point of views and different denominations within Christianity isn’t a bad thing, in and of itself. Yes, some denominations that teach heretical teachings should be called out. And we should always hold pastors accountable to a high standard as per Paul’s letters to Timothy explains. Though, beyond the self-explanatory heresies spoken by false teachers/prophets, we should not spend our time trying to convince other Christians that our way and our explanation of the Bible is the right one. We can have different points of view and still believe the basic core beliefs of the Bible. We cannot be like the Roman Catholic church who is convinced that everyone should be under the leadership of the Pope and whomever isn’t, is sinning. This is wrong and has been shown to lead many astray. It is contrary to the passage in Luke.

The reason Jesus is not wanting us to focus on convincing everyone of our “perfect” theology is because when we focus so much time on infighting, we lose touch with our mission to reach those who are unsaved. We become like a house divided, and a house divided can never reach the world together for Jesus.

One friend I know had spent many years in Kuwait. In this country, there are very few churches to choose from. You learn to understand how important it is to worship together, no matter your theological preferences, because the enemy is so very close. In the U.S., we may not feel the enemy so close, but he’s there and he’s busy dividing us. We have to stand together and understand who we serve and why we have to reach the lost of this world. Do not forget your mission.

Application

Spend time today to think about how you focus on other denominations and their teachings rather than looking around you for those who truly need Jesus. Are you focused on the lost? Are you praying for God to keep unity amongst the believers so we can stand strong against the workings of the devil?

Prayer

Father in heaven, I want to pray for unity amongst all believers. I trust that You will hold those accountable who teach falsely, and let me not try to control that which is not controllable. Help me instead to focus on working with my fellow brothers and sisters to reach the lost of this world. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.