Over the years I have grown to to love church history. The more I read about the saints of the past the more I see variations of the same struggles among saints today. It is true that without a good understanding of history we are bound to repeat some of the same errors. Plus, without a good understanding of history we miss the valuable contributions given to us by those who labored to the point of exhaustion, sometimes even unto death, and we loose the benefit of seeing and understanding the spirit of sacrifice that so many made for a particular cause.
How rich of a blessing it is to look back and see how Paul was beaten for the faith in order for the gospel to come to the Gentiles. How humbling it is to see how Polycarp in his 80's was drug into a ring and burned to death because he would not renounce the name of Christ. How encouraging it is to reflect over Martin Luther's great stand where he was on trial for his very life and yet he uttered the bold words: "Unless I am convinced by sacred scripture or right reasoning I will not recant. I can not do otherwise, here I stand, so help me God!" Or what about John Calvin's devotion to the word of God where he would labor all night with his feet in cold water just so he could translate the bible and write sermons for those without the gospel? Does not these past examples motivate us towards a deeper dedication knowing that where these men are now is where we will soon be?
Such examples provide much in the area of giving to us courage. But courage without wisdom often leads to schism and unecessary schism. So what do we do to walk in courage without killing one another in the process as we walk? Or in more simple terms: What can we do to all get along even while differences abound?
Proverbs tells us this: "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding" (Prov. 4:5-7).
How does wisdom lead to humility in application? Maybe this little quote will be of help. A wise man once told me: "those who think they have all the right answers rarely even have all the right questions to ask in order to find the right answer."
Over the years I have learned in wisdom that we do need each other. One person once said we can hang together or die apart. One of my systematic theology professors once said that God raises up each tradition or type of Christianity in its day because another tradition has failed to grasp something about God. One pastor taught me that sometimes our greatest strengths are also our greatest weakenesses.
I believe both were right. I believe that every denomination or tradition has at least something that they can teach us. I recall that one of my assignments in seminary was to go to many different churches of different denominations so I could study how they function. It was one of the greatest assignments I had ever been given. I learned that I can indeed learn something from every tradition.
For example, from my Roman Catholic friends I can learn the benefit of having a friend to confess or talk to about my sin struggles. Though I would not agree with the Catholic that the priest is necessary I can still learn in wisdom something from that tradition.
From my Eastern orthodox friends I can learn that something to us will always be a mystery. We do not have to try and explain everything. Though I would not agree with them on what constitutes a mystery I can still learn from them about the importance of trust even when I may not be able to explain something.
From my Lutheran friends I can learn that ther is a rich blessing from the time of communion where something special takes place when we partake of the Lord's Supper. Though I would not agree that consubstatiation is the precise way to describe it, I can still benefit from their emphasis on the sacred nature of the Lord's Supper.
From my Presbyterian friends I can learn the value and need for a plural body of leaders to govern the body of Christ. Though I may not see the synod exactly as they do, I still see the power of having a team of men leading together.
From my Episcopal/Anglican friends I can learn the value of ceremony and the liturgical aspects of the faith expressed in rich symbols. Though I would not totally identify with them in the degree of emphasis for this i can still appreciate the rich language their symbols bring to the life of Christ's body.
From my Baptist/Congregation/Free Church friends I can learn the value of a church composed of all believers who maintain a separate sphere of religious life where the government does not govern their religious doctrines. Though I may not see the strict nature of immersion only as essential to joining a church body I see the benefit of making sure those inside of the body are truly born again and on the same mission.
From my Charismatic/Pentecostal friends I can learn the of importance of yielding to the Holy Spirit as we seek his power in the work of the ministry and for daily life. Though I may not see the gifts distributed in the same way as they might, I can still learn from their emphasis that a life lived for Christ must be one that seeks the power of the Spirit.
From my Messianic Friends and some Dispensationalists I can learn from their deep respect and observance of the various laws of the Old Covenant. If Paul can make sacrifices in the temple after being in Christ then I too can observe and learn from the rich customs and heritage of the Jews. Though I may exercise my freedoms at times differently than my friends who emphasize this as their normal day to day life I sure can learn much from their patterns of life.
From my Methodist friends I can learn the value of being pragmatic and practical as we give the love of Christ to people through social action. The life of John Wesley and his love for practicality is worth our attention. Though I may at times not place as much emphasis on being practical as I do being biblically accurate I still need practitioners around me to make sure that my doctrines are not aloof and esoteric and to make sure that we stay connected socially to the community.
From my Reformed friends I can learn the value and strength of God as he providentially rules over his universe as the sovereign king and father. Though I may not go to the same ends as some of them do in regards to double predestination I am still deeply indebted to them for their solid stand on God's omnipotence in every single area of life and faith.
From my Dispensational friends I can learn the importance of making sure we never teach anything that makes the promises of God alterable, such as with Israel, as well as keeping a daily eye on the sky being ready for Christ's return. Though I may not be as pessimistic as some of them are I can still learn much from their emphasis on the role of the nation Israel as well as the need to be ready to see Christ at any moment.
Why do I share this? In life part of growing up and becoming mature in wisdom is being able to appreciate other traditions while not agreeing with everything in the tradition. Wisdom teaches us to learn as much as we can from all while not worshipping any tradition alone.
I look around sometimes and I see that in life we often do a better job of relating to our spouse, or family than we do to one another in Christ. Few men and women, at least if they have a good marriage, require the other to have 100% agreement in all areas. In marriages and families we learn to tolerate differences, we allow for room for people to grow, and we learn to listen to why another has the views that they have.
Yet sometimes that wisdom is thrown out the door when we interact with one another in the body of Christ. Maybe it is because we think in terms of eternity and we think the stakes are so much higher. Or maybe it is because somehow we think since we have a bible, concordance, and the holy Spirit that now everyone ought to be like us since we know best. In any case, for whatever reason it is done we must focus on Christ as the highest essential of our faith. We must live out Philippians 2 where the Bible say: "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (1-4).
Why can't we all get along? Well ultimately it is because of sin. But in more particular it is often because we throw wisdom away in the way we relate to one another. Instead of approaching one another with the presupposition or disposition of "what can I learn about God from this brother or sister" we approach people with "how can I make them think, believe, and act like I do." One is wisdom from above (theo-centric) the other is wisdom from below (anthropo-centric). God has used very crooked sticks over the years. In reality, all of us are crooked if the standard is Christ by which we judge ourselves. Thus we all have somethings we need to discard and some things we need to embrace.
But even though there will always be sin, differences, and tensions among Christ's body maybe in wisdom we ought to look at those tensions in a different light. Selfishness says the tensions are areas where we should fight to prove our viewpoint. Godly wisdom says tensions among those who truly trust Christ are not points to fight about but rather ought to be viewed as springs where we stretch one another as we exercise. A spring used when exercising must have tension on both sides. Many of the issues in Christian debate or conflicts can be seen as temporary tensions that God uses to train our spiritual muscles. In due time when we mature we may then see things differently. But until then we still must hold on to the spring at both ends so that the process of muscle building takes place. If one or both let go of the Spring (Christ), or if one beats the other with the Spring (Christ's word) then growth cannot occur and all involved suffer.
If we walk in wisdom we can get along, or at least enough so that spiritual muscles are built while we stay in the process of growth. And who knows, maybe in that process more people will latch on to the sacred spring as they see us clinging to it instead of beating one another with it.
Dr. Allen
How rich of a blessing it is to look back and see how Paul was beaten for the faith in order for the gospel to come to the Gentiles. How humbling it is to see how Polycarp in his 80's was drug into a ring and burned to death because he would not renounce the name of Christ. How encouraging it is to reflect over Martin Luther's great stand where he was on trial for his very life and yet he uttered the bold words: "Unless I am convinced by sacred scripture or right reasoning I will not recant. I can not do otherwise, here I stand, so help me God!" Or what about John Calvin's devotion to the word of God where he would labor all night with his feet in cold water just so he could translate the bible and write sermons for those without the gospel? Does not these past examples motivate us towards a deeper dedication knowing that where these men are now is where we will soon be?
Such examples provide much in the area of giving to us courage. But courage without wisdom often leads to schism and unecessary schism. So what do we do to walk in courage without killing one another in the process as we walk? Or in more simple terms: What can we do to all get along even while differences abound?
Proverbs tells us this: "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding" (Prov. 4:5-7).
How does wisdom lead to humility in application? Maybe this little quote will be of help. A wise man once told me: "those who think they have all the right answers rarely even have all the right questions to ask in order to find the right answer."
Over the years I have learned in wisdom that we do need each other. One person once said we can hang together or die apart. One of my systematic theology professors once said that God raises up each tradition or type of Christianity in its day because another tradition has failed to grasp something about God. One pastor taught me that sometimes our greatest strengths are also our greatest weakenesses.
I believe both were right. I believe that every denomination or tradition has at least something that they can teach us. I recall that one of my assignments in seminary was to go to many different churches of different denominations so I could study how they function. It was one of the greatest assignments I had ever been given. I learned that I can indeed learn something from every tradition.
For example, from my Roman Catholic friends I can learn the benefit of having a friend to confess or talk to about my sin struggles. Though I would not agree with the Catholic that the priest is necessary I can still learn in wisdom something from that tradition.
From my Eastern orthodox friends I can learn that something to us will always be a mystery. We do not have to try and explain everything. Though I would not agree with them on what constitutes a mystery I can still learn from them about the importance of trust even when I may not be able to explain something.
From my Lutheran friends I can learn that ther is a rich blessing from the time of communion where something special takes place when we partake of the Lord's Supper. Though I would not agree that consubstatiation is the precise way to describe it, I can still benefit from their emphasis on the sacred nature of the Lord's Supper.
From my Presbyterian friends I can learn the value and need for a plural body of leaders to govern the body of Christ. Though I may not see the synod exactly as they do, I still see the power of having a team of men leading together.
From my Episcopal/Anglican friends I can learn the value of ceremony and the liturgical aspects of the faith expressed in rich symbols. Though I would not totally identify with them in the degree of emphasis for this i can still appreciate the rich language their symbols bring to the life of Christ's body.
From my Baptist/Congregation/Free Church friends I can learn the value of a church composed of all believers who maintain a separate sphere of religious life where the government does not govern their religious doctrines. Though I may not see the strict nature of immersion only as essential to joining a church body I see the benefit of making sure those inside of the body are truly born again and on the same mission.
From my Charismatic/Pentecostal friends I can learn the of importance of yielding to the Holy Spirit as we seek his power in the work of the ministry and for daily life. Though I may not see the gifts distributed in the same way as they might, I can still learn from their emphasis that a life lived for Christ must be one that seeks the power of the Spirit.
From my Messianic Friends and some Dispensationalists I can learn from their deep respect and observance of the various laws of the Old Covenant. If Paul can make sacrifices in the temple after being in Christ then I too can observe and learn from the rich customs and heritage of the Jews. Though I may exercise my freedoms at times differently than my friends who emphasize this as their normal day to day life I sure can learn much from their patterns of life.
From my Methodist friends I can learn the value of being pragmatic and practical as we give the love of Christ to people through social action. The life of John Wesley and his love for practicality is worth our attention. Though I may at times not place as much emphasis on being practical as I do being biblically accurate I still need practitioners around me to make sure that my doctrines are not aloof and esoteric and to make sure that we stay connected socially to the community.
From my Reformed friends I can learn the value and strength of God as he providentially rules over his universe as the sovereign king and father. Though I may not go to the same ends as some of them do in regards to double predestination I am still deeply indebted to them for their solid stand on God's omnipotence in every single area of life and faith.
From my Dispensational friends I can learn the importance of making sure we never teach anything that makes the promises of God alterable, such as with Israel, as well as keeping a daily eye on the sky being ready for Christ's return. Though I may not be as pessimistic as some of them are I can still learn much from their emphasis on the role of the nation Israel as well as the need to be ready to see Christ at any moment.
Why do I share this? In life part of growing up and becoming mature in wisdom is being able to appreciate other traditions while not agreeing with everything in the tradition. Wisdom teaches us to learn as much as we can from all while not worshipping any tradition alone.
I look around sometimes and I see that in life we often do a better job of relating to our spouse, or family than we do to one another in Christ. Few men and women, at least if they have a good marriage, require the other to have 100% agreement in all areas. In marriages and families we learn to tolerate differences, we allow for room for people to grow, and we learn to listen to why another has the views that they have.
Yet sometimes that wisdom is thrown out the door when we interact with one another in the body of Christ. Maybe it is because we think in terms of eternity and we think the stakes are so much higher. Or maybe it is because somehow we think since we have a bible, concordance, and the holy Spirit that now everyone ought to be like us since we know best. In any case, for whatever reason it is done we must focus on Christ as the highest essential of our faith. We must live out Philippians 2 where the Bible say: "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (1-4).
Why can't we all get along? Well ultimately it is because of sin. But in more particular it is often because we throw wisdom away in the way we relate to one another. Instead of approaching one another with the presupposition or disposition of "what can I learn about God from this brother or sister" we approach people with "how can I make them think, believe, and act like I do." One is wisdom from above (theo-centric) the other is wisdom from below (anthropo-centric). God has used very crooked sticks over the years. In reality, all of us are crooked if the standard is Christ by which we judge ourselves. Thus we all have somethings we need to discard and some things we need to embrace.
But even though there will always be sin, differences, and tensions among Christ's body maybe in wisdom we ought to look at those tensions in a different light. Selfishness says the tensions are areas where we should fight to prove our viewpoint. Godly wisdom says tensions among those who truly trust Christ are not points to fight about but rather ought to be viewed as springs where we stretch one another as we exercise. A spring used when exercising must have tension on both sides. Many of the issues in Christian debate or conflicts can be seen as temporary tensions that God uses to train our spiritual muscles. In due time when we mature we may then see things differently. But until then we still must hold on to the spring at both ends so that the process of muscle building takes place. If one or both let go of the Spring (Christ), or if one beats the other with the Spring (Christ's word) then growth cannot occur and all involved suffer.
If we walk in wisdom we can get along, or at least enough so that spiritual muscles are built while we stay in the process of growth. And who knows, maybe in that process more people will latch on to the sacred spring as they see us clinging to it instead of beating one another with it.
Dr. Allen
