Christian Disagreement

Good Christians disagree about controversial things.

We certainly have seen that in recent years regarding a lot of topics. I take it more seriously when the Bible speaks clearly into the matter, but there are a lot of issues that Christians debate and argue over, where the Scripture gives principles to guide, but people on both sides are sincerely attempting to use God’s Word to form their thinking.

Is that ok?

Of course it is! And it’s healthy. As long as we continue to dialogue reasonably and are sincerely listening to those who disagree with us, and do our best to find common ground and to get to the heart of those issues.

A lot of people are zealous and up-in-arms over the NFL and kneeling during the national anthem. There are good and sincere followers of Jesus on both sides of the issue. If my saying that upsets you, you are part of the problem! I’ve tried to ask whenever the matter is brought up (though never on Social Media), “Have you attempted to engage in a reasonable and thoughtful discussion with someone who believes differently than you, and are you carefully considering their viewpoint, filtering everything through clear Biblical principles?"

If we do that, disagreement among Christians is a good thing. Even discussions about kneeling during the National Anthem.

The trouble is, we have a hard time debating that way. It’s a lot more comfortable to rant along with those who already believe the way we do. But remember, comfort is the enemy of growth. You’ll not grow without carefully listening to the other side. And by carefully, I mean trying to understand their way of thinking without rearming yourself with further arguments in your mind while they are talking.

That’s where pride gets in the way. It’s our sin nature that causes us to feel the need to be “historically right” about things. If I acknowledge that my way of thinking in the past has been wrong, that’s a blow to my ego.

But then again, a blow to our egos is another healthy thing for our Christian pursuit of becoming like Christ.

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9 NLT).