“The Importance of Being Gospel People”

“Gospel People” — Week 5 Reflection

The Nonessential

In my fifty-one years of attending church, I have seen many differences of opinion, some resulting in a mere exchange of words, some resulting in people leaving churches. Well-meaning Christians have disagreed over almost everything—from church décor or whether it’s wrong to celebrate Halloween to the more serious matters of how church should be governed or what roles the ordinances of baptism and communion play in the believer’s life.

And then there are occasional political squabbles made more divisive by social media. I won’t even get started on those, as I’m sure most of you, like me, inwardly grown every time someone you thought you knew decided to suddenly lash out on their digital platform and utter words about their political view, which of course, was the extreme opposite of yours.

We could all make a list of the many differences leading to disagreements we’ve seen in the church. And, if we’re honest, most of the items on that list would fit into one main category: nonessential.

Two Facets that Maintain Unity

Reeves helps us make sense of this difficult dynamic with two main ideas.

First, he explains unity by echoing Paul’s words to the Corinthian church: “unity [is found] in Christ alone and the word of the cross (1:13-31)” (pg.87).

Then, he helps us understand unity through the gospel: “With the gospel as our anchor, evangelicals are able to see that not every issue is a gospel issue, and not every error (or departure from our view or practice) is a soul-killing heresy. Some doctrines are more essential and foundational than others (Heb. 5:12-14)” (pg.88).

With these two facets in mind, Reeves calls his readers to the practice of discernment, “a truer mark of the evangelical.” (pg.104) And I can see why. So many of the disagreements among the family of believers stem from deeply rooted emotions, often trained from childhood, taught by people we loved, people who first told us about Jesus.

Discerning through the Gray Areas

Discernment like this, however, isn’t always black and white. And it’s not easy to spot, like some kitchen décor with a well-meaning platitude encouraging us to eat, live, and laugh. It’s a discipline and gift. A discipline trained through prayer with the Father, in agreement with Christ and His Word, and a gift we receive from the Holy Spirit as we cooperate with Him.

It’s this discipline and gift that will save our churches. And, as I’m still learning, it’s a discipline and gift that will save our Christian relationships. Recently I had almost given up on a longtime Christian friend. Nonessential differences of opinion had become a stumbling block to a once thriving friendship. Just when I thought all was lost, God helped me rethink my attitude. In a conversation, I heard my friend’s fears for the reason she held such strong beliefs that were in direct opposition to mine. But what I also heard was the love and care my friend still had for me. I needed this discernment.

The importance of being gospel people can only be found by staying true to Christ and His Word. Because in the end, if we are truly gospel people, that one relationship matters the most.

And it’s essential.