Honest Differences

Acts 15:38-39 (ESV)  ³⁸ But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. ³⁹ And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,

Sometimes I write things for which there are honest disagreements in the church.  I personally think disagreement is a good thing since it forces some folks, including me, to read more deeply or research more fully.

The concern of many who have contacted me after I post such a subject is that there might be divisions caused within the church.  If that’s true, the burden must fall on those who decide to leave or fight because of what someone else believes rather than seek an honest and peaceful resolution.  Paul tells us to test all things in his closing remarks to the Thessalonian church:

1 Thess. 5:19-21 (ESV)  Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.

This passage assumes there are things to test.

But what do we do if people disagree?  Jesus tells us we are to keep peace with our brothers:

Matt. 5:23-24 (ESV)  So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

The best way to resolve these differences is through the method the Jews in Berea pursued:

Acts 17:10-11 (ESV)  The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. ¹¹ Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

What better way to arrive at the truth?  Scripture is the standard of Christian conduct and belief.  There is no other true source for the final word.

Why is this important?

If we still can’t arrive at an agreement with another and we attend a Bible believing church, our disagreement is probably not on a major doctrinal issue such as salvation or another central issue within our faith. 

It may be a pride issue with us being unwilling to accept the sound view of others.  Remember the church has had 2,000 years to go over the Bible and what it teaches.  It has been questioned millions of times from within the church and without.  Our constant study of Scripture should prepare us to see the truth in the views of others and perhaps the faults in our own. Chances are very high the disagreement has been addressed many times before.

Yes, there are some fairly large differences within the church which can cause dissension: Calvinism vs Traditionalism, Eternal Security, Old Earth vs. Young Earth, etc.  I’m sure I disagree on these with friends that I respect in their Christian walk and see as very knowledgeable biblical teachings.  That’s okay.  We can disagree.  It’s when we decide to push our views to the point of causing dissension in the church that we sin.  In fact that is something God hates:

Prov. 6:16-19 (ESV)  There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

So, if you have a doctrinal disagreement with another Christian, and it’s causing a rift between you, go to them with Bible in hand and do your best work it out.  If needed, seek church leadership for insight.  The point is, we can differ in finer points of understanding so long as we don’t cause division.