31 October 2005
| ||
31 October 2005 | ||
Can There Be Unity Where Brian R. Kenyon Over the years, there have been matters over which faithful Christians have had strong, even heated, differences of opinion. When the various opinions are discussed and when various brethren who hold these views are asked to defend them under the scrutiny of those who do not hold the same view, the outside observer may be left to conclude that the church is not united. The question then arises, "Can there be unity where differences of opinion exist?" This question is worthy of our attention. We Are to Be United Clearly, God's word teaches that we are to be united. Jesus prayed for unity among believers (Jn. 17:20-21), and, especially relevant to the question above, Paul pled for unity: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10). The question now arises, Can we "speak the same thing" and be in "the same mind and in the same judgment" while holding different opinions on Biblical issues? The short answer concerning certain "Biblical issues" is "Yes," but let us dig deeper into the answer. What Matters Are Matters of Opinion? Crucial to the question is understanding what "Biblical issues" are matters of opinion. Simply put, matters of opinion are those matters about which God has given no specific revelation (cf. Deut. 29:29). For example, why did Nicodemus come to Jesus "by night" (Jn. 3:1-2)? Was he ashamed? Was he afraid? Was he just too busy during the day? The fact is that God did not reveal why Nicodemus came to Him by night. Therefore, one can have whatever opinion he or she wants as long as it does not violate any plain Bible passage and/or principle. However, where God has given specific revelation (such as what kind of music is to be used in worship, how to organize His church, etc.), we must adhere to it without wavering (Mt. 7:21-23; Lk. 6:46). Unity Agrees That Matters of Opinion Are Matters of Opinion How is it possible then to "speak the same thing" and be in "the same mind and in the same judgment" while at the same time holding different opinions? The answer is easy, when we all agree that matters of opinion are matters of opinion, then the unity for which Paul pled is still maintained. The classic example of unity being maintained though there was a strong difference of opinion is the dispute between Paul and Barnabas over whether or not to take John Mark on the second missionary tour (Acts 15:36-41). Barnabas was "determined" to take John Mark, but Paul "thought [it] not good to take him with them." The record goes on to say that "the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other" (Acts 15:39). However, unity still remained. Paul took Silas, Barnabas took John Mark, and the Gospel continued to the "uttermost part of the earth." Differences of opinion must not be allowed to break the unity of the church and its mission! Value of Holding Different Opinions Although one should not major in matters of opinion, there is some value in discussing matters of opinion. First, it forces one to study the Bible. When one is faced with an opinion contrary to his or hers, one is forced to study more in order to justify holding to one opinion over another. Second, there is value in being able to defend an opinion based upon Biblical principles. Friendly discussions between brethren prepare one for discussions with others, who are sometimes hostile, over matters of spiritual life and death (cf. 1 Thes. 5:21). Third, holding various opinions shows that we can disagree in these areas and still not be enemies. We do not have to be clones and agree with every opinion "brother big shot" expressed just because he was "brother big shot." What is your opinion? |