Thursday, September 10, 2009
Philippians 1:27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
FOR THE LOVE OF FELLOWSHIP: LISTEN TO YOUR FATHER
A common scene: Two children are told by their father not to fight. One child, knowing the father's love and will, understands that he means not to fight with anyone. The other child, however, misunderstands, thinking the father meant only not to fight with his brother.
It is a popular and common misunderstanding that all people who believe in Jesus ought to be able to enjoy every form of Christian fellowship together (Prayer, Holy Communion, Missions, etc.). Bottom line: the direction from God's Word begs the question, "Is it a good thing to disobey our Heavenly Father?"
The word of God tells Christians clearly to "stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." In other words, believers should be on the same page when it comes to the teachings of God's word. But for what purpose? So that by being one in doctrine we avoid diminishing the gospel of Christ in any way.
Just because our brother or sister is doing something, doesn't mean we should join in. And yet we still rejoice in the good news of Christ's salvation that all who trust in His word of forgiveness of sins are "children of the Heavenly Father!"
