These signs shall follow those who believe… They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover

One of the great divides in 21st-century Christendom, is the separation of Charismatics from non-Charismatics. Even the authenticity of the above partial quote from Mark 16:17,18 is disputed. It is not my intention to try and resolve this, this morning, but rather to use it as a launching pad it to make a point.

In thinking about how the thief kills and steals and robs us (John 10:10a), it is clear to me that he uses theological differences. It should be obvious that there is no such thing as a perfect church, and there is no such thing as a perfect theological position (we know in part.. 1 Corinthians 13:9). Ruth Graham has wisely said that if you find a perfect church, don’t go because it will no longer be perfect because you will be there!

In fact, human nature being what it is, all we tend to see is the excesses and the shortcomings of “the other side!” I have come to realize that we tend to take the theological position of those godly men and women who have both impressed and influenced us. But at some level we are all shortsighted. I have also observed that our theological positions tend to set like cement shortly after conversion. But unless we have believed a lie (I am come that you might have life in all its fullness John 10:10b), there is always so much more.

So then, part of the way the evil one robs us of this promise, is by showing us the errors and excesses of those whose position is not ours. And of course he shows them the errors in our position. This ensures that we remain separated. Unless God.....

The Lord has revealed clearly in his Word that His plan, and His purpose is to unite all things together in Christ (Ephesians 1:9, 10). This cannot happen in the here and now without His intervention and our cooperation. I truly believe that there is no difference, no difficulty, no wounding from the past that cannot be overcome if we are willing to come together to the foot of the cross where we are all equal. But it does take humility, and in fact a whole lot more.

Part of this involves a willingness to listen to each other, and a willingness to submit to each other. The Scripture puts it this way “As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens man” (Proverbs 27:17). In particular, if we are willing to listen and submit to one another, God will reveal the things that are not of him! But then it also takes a willingness to admit it when we are wrong, and unfortunately this is very rare even among Christians!

Father, I pray for a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You, I pray for humility and Grace for us (for me) to listen to others who take the Word of God seriously. I know in my own life, I have learned more from those with whom I disagree, than from those with whom I agree. We cannot do this without You Father, the hurts are too deep and the differences too wide. But it is Your purpose to unite us, and Your plan cannot be thwarted. May it happen soon, rather than later. Have mercy upon us Lord for our stubbornness and intransigence. Give us grace to endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and have mercy upon us Lord. In Jesus Name Amen