What is more important: following the truth or being united?
If you want, the next thought is: What if you disagree on something that is NOT a gray area? Should you mention it OR be quiet for the sake of unity?
2007-03-01 02:30:10 · 27 answers · asked by Jeff- <3 God <3 people 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Edit 1:The irr...
That is one of the dumest things I have heard in a long time!
For instance:
1. are you saying that 2+2=4 is relative? No. If is a fact, a truth.
Likewise 2+2=/=4 is false, incorrect, a lie.
2. John shot his wife in the face, on purpose, because he didn't like her. Fact: John murdered his wife.
Now, there is truth, however the application of that truth may be dependant on a culture.
example: It is wrong to steal.
In the US, if it is on your property & someone takes it=stealing.
In Africa if it is on your property, but in the front yard & someone takes it=it is public property & therefore =/=stealing.
2007-03-01 02:39:12 · update #1
Edit 2: ~QT~
Who determines what the "good orderly direction" is?
Respectfully- Hitler tried this, Stalin tried this, the USA is trying this, the Dalhi Llama says it is seeking what makes you happy (what made Hitler happy?).
IOW- Who is in charge? And what gives 'em this right?
2007-03-01 02:43:09 · update #2
Edit 3: Loathe
First, you are not a Christian, so why did you butt in? Yes, yes, I know you can do whatever.
Second, can you PROVE that the Bible is not the word of God? Of course you can't, it is your opinion. Therefore, I would be careful to speak so strongly against things you can't matter of factly say. Think about it....
2007-03-01 02:46:26 · update #3
Edit 4: Randy G.
This passage is always convicting and drives my conversations...although I need to apply it more on Q&A.
2007-03-01 02:54:20 · update #4
hands down, follow the truth.
But a disagreement on a non negotiable? If someone does not agree with me on:
The Bible is the infallible, inspired word of God, there is one True God, revealed in three persons, salvation through the Blood of Christ, the virgin birth, the death and resurrection of Christ, and His return to this earth,
then we are not in unity to begin with, so my silence is a missed opportunity to speak the truth to them.
2007-03-01 02:42:28 · answer #1 · answered by Terri 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The problem is not a new one. There are some BIG ISSUES. Who is God, Christ? Where do the dead go? There are a few other BIG issues that might be different from church to church. If you face such a problem, maybe you should change to the church that is teaching the right BIG ISSUES.
However, if it doesn't concern BIG ISSUES, then even if you have solid proof--scriptural proof that you're right, wouldn't the best way be to be to write to your church's deciding counsel, head, and leave them to make the BIG decision. Be happy for the knowledge you have, if it is true, this makes your life fuller.
Next, if you can see that your church is doing the work that God commanded them to do, then keep on doing that as much as you can.
For example, Paul says:
(ASV) 2 Timothy 4:2, "preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching."
Then be busy doing what Paul told you to!
Ask yourself, has God appointed you Moses? or does the church already have a head? Christ!
Do you believe that God exists?
Do you think that if he created the world, he can also take care of earthly things?
Do you believe that Christ is the head of the Church? Do you think that he is able to correct things when he wants to?
Clearly, being humble letting Christ take the lead will be blessed if you do what is right. Make sure that the BIG THINGS are correct and that you yourself are busy with the work assigned you.
2007-03-01 02:55:10 · answer #2 · answered by Fuzzy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Truth is the only way. our opinions don't really mean squat. It is the words and truths of God that count. If we follow the NT teachings of Christ we will have unity. We don't have to agree to be united. Disagreement is good. It should make a person go back to the Bible to find the real answer and to go to God in prayer for what he says. Lets face it- the Word is a "living text" and you may get something different out of it than I do. We are all at different place in our walk as well as in our lives. That is what is so great about the Bible it meets you where you are. Hope this helps.
2007-03-01 02:35:30 · answer #3 · answered by momof2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure YOU have your 'truth' straight and then lovingly share that truth with those who need to hear it.
Truth is more important IMHO than unity, because if you all agree that jumping off a cliff will earn you a fast trip to heaven then obviously your unity will just get you all killed.
THe key is LOVE. Read I Cor 13... no matter what good things you do (even sharing the truth) if not done with love then it is nothing. Running about bashing people with a 2x4 of truth is not the way.
So now some are curious.... what is your 'not gray area'?
2007-03-01 02:52:34 · answer #4 · answered by Orpah! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's a good question, do you make waves because you don't agree with a tenant of your denomination's or do you keep your mouth shut and don't rock the boat. I guess it all depends on what you are talking about I know I was raised a Methodist but after many years of seeing the Methodist church become more and more liberal and not focusing on the word of God I decided it was time for a change and am now a Baptist. Now I want you to realize how big a decision that was for me, my father was a Methodist minister but I just couldn't continue to go to a church who didn't believe in what I thought the Word of God was saying.
2007-03-01 02:37:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To know the extent of what is right and what is wrong, listen to your "gut instinct", which is also the place where the Lord is trying to communicate with the soul. Being united in right and following the truth is always good. Being united in lies and following that which is false is a soul that is corrupt.
2007-03-01 02:35:57 · answer #6 · answered by Theresa B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am quiet a lot on issues.
I believe in the truth, but yes, sometimes I am quiet.
I grew up in a very violent atmoshphere.
I do not like arguments yet
I am involved in invisible warfare.
I am a prayer warrior.
I enjoy the battle against terrorism that I fight every day.
Peace out.
2007-03-01 02:39:15 · answer #7 · answered by Lucy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I find that if you have the truth, you have to grow to unity.
This growing isn't happening.
Why?
I don't know.
I think that unity would then engender peace.
Jesus said He didn't come to bring peace.
Mat 10:34 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 "For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;
Mat 10:36 and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.
So I guess we should just keep on going and believing till the end.
2007-03-01 02:37:20 · answer #8 · answered by chris p 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unity is only possible in truth - if you are united in error, it is a false relationship.
When one speaks of truth, there is no gray area. The gray comes from our understanding, or our willingness to apply what we know.
Unity is not a goal in itself - it is the result of agreement. It is something to be cherished, and sought for - but one never compromises truth, even for the sake of unity.
2007-03-01 02:34:00 · answer #9 · answered by Uncle John 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Gods truth is the most important. If it is something that goes against the bible, you might request a meeting with the pastor to talk about it. If he insists on preaching something that is against the bible, find a new church.
2007-03-01 02:34:29 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋