Ask Me Anything: Guidelines for Controversy
Join us as we address some hot-button topics in the Church through questions submitted by our own members.
Scripture: Romans 14:1-12
In anticipation of our Ask Me Anything series, we turn to the Bible for guidance on how our church should approach today's most divisive topics. Many of us share lingering questions, unsure where to start without unintentionally causing offense or miscommunication. Our world faces numerous persistent issues, and it's crucial to recognize they won't vanish soon. Therefore, instead of ignoring them or wishing them away, let's carefully consider how to navigate these challenges while preserving both community and conviction.
In the following passage, the Apostle Paul addresses several divisive matters causing discord within the Church. Topics like observing holy days and dietary preferences spark intense debates, leaving individuals uncertain about which stance to adopt and which side to back. Amidst this complexity, Paul emphasizes the importance of being open-minded enough to embrace one another's perspectives. He underscores this by repeatedly emphasizing the concept of welcoming, paralleling it with the way God welcomed us. Taken literally, the kind of welcome Paul has in mind is one that requires us to come alongside to uphold another individual. Rather than passing judgment, we're encouraged to support those grappling with their faith. Paul envisions a united church where we share each other's burdens, fostering unity despite our differences. This is because regardless of where we stand, the diversity of the church requires us to learn to work together for the sake of the greater mission at hand. In this sense, the greater sin compared to our hot-button issues is to cause disunity and subsequently tarnish the mission of God for this world.
Furthermore, Paul urges us to uphold our convictions, aligning them with the Lord's will. Regardless of our stance on particular subjects, dedicating our efforts to the Lord and acting out of love keeps us united in our journey. The key is to approach discussions with love, respecting the freedom Christ secured on the Cross. Christ's sacrifice has reshaped our priorities; we no longer evaluate each other based on individual abilities or differences but through the lens of the Cross, which redefines our self-perception and how we view others. We no longer live for our own separate causes or beliefs but ultimately work towards Jesus’ lordship over all things. Therefore, regardless of what stance we take, it is crucial that we do so unto the Lord with the conviction that it is for him and not for ourselves. Oftentimes, this will require us to thoughtfully look in the mirror to consider whether it truly is his cause that fuels our emotions or our own.
In the grand scheme, every discourse we engage in is ultimately judged by God, who will evaluate us in light of the Cross. He is the one who sits on the judgment seat and this is meant to give us relief, not further distress. For this reason, we can be at peace knowing that no matter what, God is the one who is steering the ship and not any one ideology or agenda. He is the one who holds it all together and is the one who will usher us safely to his purposes.
Study Questions:
What are some common concerns people have when approaching controversial topics in discussions?
How does the concept of "welcome" play a crucial role in addressing division, according to the post?
How does Paul encourage believers to approach their convictions in relation to the Lord's will?
How has the Cross reshaped our perspectives on evaluating others and ourselves?
How does it make you feel knowing that God will be the ultimate judge?
