Hi there,
Years ago a colleague attended a funeral and noted that a last minute musician was needed. Initially, they sought a member, then a fellow believer, then a “Christian” musician; then in desperation they were willing to settle for “any” musician.
I was offended. But then, in retrospect, I realise that we all have entertained moments of religious elitism; which ironically, negates Christ’s message of salvation for all. In the back story of Today’s Holy Nougatâ„¢, the disciples had reprimanded some individuals for performing miracles in Jesus’s name without being credentialed/authorized to do so (at least in their opinion). The group was unknown to them, did not make the same declarations of Faith as they did, do they were convinced that the others were charlatans. And, having reprimanded the interlopers, they sought Jesus’ affirmation.
Instead, Jesus establishes the standard for ministry which most of us ignore …
If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded. Mark 9:41 NLT
For Jesus, we don’t impose our beliefs or practices on others, we allow God to transform.
Do we have the authority to determine another’s worthiness (regardless of how far right or left they are in their beliefs) when the Christ has already declared them worthy? Erm …
Not!!!
The next time we get caught up in labels, and find ourselves annoyed with those Conservatives, Liberals, other ‘Christians’, etc because of their conflicting spiritual beliefs; let’s try to see them through Christ’s eyes. Better yet, let’s allow Christ to be their judge.
Thanks for joining us in this Divine feast
In Christ
