Finally, be ye all of one mind, having
compassion one of another, love as brethren,
be pitiful, be courteous; not rendering
evil for evil, or railing for railing;
but contrariwise blessing; knowing that
ye all our thereunto called, that ye should
inherit a blessing. For he that will love
life, and see good days, let him refrain
his tongue from evil, and his lips that
they speak no guile: let him eschew evil,
and to good; let him seek peace, and
ensue it.
I Peter 3: 8 -- 11
Christians have the responsibility to endeavor to be of one mind of the great truthful points of faith. Christians have the responsibility to exercise real affection in their Christian practice. Far too often Christians, denominations, nature on the minor points of doctrine. There is a problem within the Christian community that holds matters of indifference to be matters of difference when in fact they are not, for example: some churches will use wine in the communion, others will say this is wrong and will only use grape juice and then give some sort of reason which is nothing more than an excuse to hold out what they are doing is a greater Christianity doctrine. I have seen where some churches get mad when crackers are used instead of a loaf of bread for communion. Often prove scriptures are given for the reasons why they do what they do when in fact scripture is silent not just for those things but for other matters of indifference that people make it be important differences. Is this what we are called to do and to be? No! Is it not true we are called as brothers in Christ to be? No! I am not suggesting that every denomination must be the same in all matters for this would be inconsistent with human nature. Christians cannot be of one mind for all things at all times but they should be the same with all the greater doctrines of faith. First, love the brother and have compassion on them and don't rail against them as though they are sinners or even worse heretics. When there is truth that they are in the wrong according to Scriptures then as Authentic Christians we are to address those wrongs that are wrong according to the truthful faith of Scripture. Paul in writing to the Romans stated:"Now the God of patients and consolation grant to you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15: 5 -- 6). All true servants of God inherit a blessing from God and as a blessing is infallible making you to have full possession of heaven.
To many churches today preach a very soft cuddly Christianity with words that one could hear by listening to psychologist for they sound good and easy to swallow but do not teach true Gospel faith. Do you desire to live comfortably on earth, or are you desire to possess eternal life in heaven? If you desire have an idea must bridle your tongue from wicked, abusive, or deceitful words. Jesus spoke to us that we must deny ourselves even if that denial means to deny family members or friends. Yes we want to have and see peace for all men but not towards those who are openly persecuting Christians and practicing all sorts of evil. As an Authentic Christian you must flee from such ones. For those Christians who practice righteousness and follow the true faith of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and are copying the example of Jesus Christ and His essential goodness we are not to cause any harm or evil towards them.
The antidote against being one who is acting contrary against true and Authentic Christianity is to arm yourself with the word and rules of holiness. An Authentic Christian will look for ways to be zealous in their progress in the ways of holiness. Arm yourself with others of like mind who will advance you in your growth of your faith and by their advice and example you will not wander from the narrow road that Jesus spoke about whereby His bride would travel.
To suffer for the sake of righteousness is an honor and it does bring happiness in the midst of all the pain and sorrow that it also can bring for as a child of God your delight is in something greater than this immediate torment. The fear of God turns away fears leaving no room and brings to you a quietness. The fear of God is your ease for your heart to have got one thing to deal with in the midst of a multitude of carnal fears, those things that vex the soul.
You have the support of your Christian friends and the support of the holy spirit living within you, therefore, keep your eyes on the prize for you have been called by God to receive this prize of ever lasting life. Sunday is coming, the Sabbath which we are told to keep and that keeping is outlined for us in Scripture. There at your church you will meet your Christian friends so be involved, show love and compassion for this is your Authentic Christianity. you will be blessed in ways that you will not understand it may not even know what God will bless your faith.
Every word of God is flawless;
He is a shield to those who
take refuge in Him. Do not add
to His words, or He will rebuke
you and prove you a liar.
Proverbs 30: 5 -- 6
Show Christian love: someone needs it!
Richard L. Crumb
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