When Christians Disagree: Some Positive Steps To Take

There are certain positive actions that all of us as adult Christians can and should take if we are determined to help ease the tension over issues like the future unfolding of God’s plan or the age of the earth (areas that we disagree on):

POSITIVE ACTIONS

(1) Determine to understand opposing views better and why they are held.

(2) Determine to be less caustic about other evangelicals and their views when they differ from your own.

(3) Determine not to suspect a person’s orthodoxy because he or she doesn’t agree with you.

(4) Determine to cooperate and build fellowship whenever and wherever possible with those evangleicals who hold different views than your own.

NEGATIVE ACTIONS NEEDED

(1) Avoid majoring on minors.

(2) Avoid unwanted dogmatism and conclusions.

(3) Avoid a holier-than-thou attitude.

(4) Avoid giving the impression that you have all the answers and others have all the problems.

(5) Avoid thinking a view must be without problems or it can’t be right.

An epithet appears in a Latin treatise designed to uphold Lutheranism and at the same time call for peace in that church. This treatise reportedly was published in Germany sometime between 1615 and 1630. The message of the poem is most fitting for our day as well, especially in regard to differences over God’s plan for the future. I can’t think of a better suggestion for action than this. Translated into English it reads:

“In essentials unity. In uncertainties freedom, In all things love.”

*SOURCE: Adapted from pp. 185-86 in The Last Days Handbook by Robert P. Lightner. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1990.

Author: lifecoach4God

I am the Lead Pastor of Marin Bible Church (Bay Area), born and raised in Huntington Beach, Ca., and currently living in Novato, California. I am married to my best friend of 30 years - Dana - and have five adult children; and seven grand children. I have been a Teaching Pastor for over thirty years. I was privileged to study at Multnomah University (B.S. - 1988); Talbot School of Theology (M.Div. - 1991); Westminster Theological Seminary & Northwest Graduate School (D. Min. - 2003). I founded Vertical Living Ministries in 2008 with the goal of encouraging Christian Disciples and Leaders to be more intentionally Christ-Centered in how they live by bringing glory to God in nine key areas of life: (1) Intimacy with God, (2) marriage, (3) family, (4) friendship, (5) vocationally/ministry , (6) emotional and physical health, (7) stewardship of resources, (8) discipleship, and (9) mentoring. View all posts by lifecoach4God