In Christian servant hood, our appropriate displays of behavior, such as patience and understanding, can be a reflection of a continuous healthy relationship with God. If we have a healthy knowledgeable relationship with God, we are willing to let God relate his love through us to humankind and do so in a nondiscriminatory manner. This manner of communication establishes a strong faith as well as strengthen relationships in both interfaith circles and those we serve most outside the church.
Relational thinking serves a great purpose in Christianity.
As Christians we subscribe to a faith offering eternal life through a belief in Christ. Additionally, we also subscribe to fellowship which educates, nurtures and sustains spiritual growth. In contrast, staunch differences in denominational thinking often stop the potential growth of relationships which nurture Christian faith with one another to the rest of the world.
In relating these previous thoughts, I ponder such questions:
Are denominational differences important in the eyes of individuals we are to offer Christian service?
Are we serving ourselves internally because it is comfortable or do we make choices to serve a world which does not always agree with Christian teachings?
How can we effectively serve communities outside the church when inside the church we are divided and not willing to listen to each another?
What efforts are we all taking to educate ourselves about the strengths of other churches ministries in our own communities?
Are we willing as a congregation to partner with them at various times?
The Apostle Doubting Thomas, Anabaptist Pilgrim Marpeck and Catholic nun Mother Teresa must have understood a greater purpose behind Christian service, not allowing differences in doctrine to hinder their discovered purposes of Christian servant hood. Each made a clear choice to communicate beyond the boundaries in a way that truly challenged their own personal thinking. Through gained wisdom, each had a willingness to share in God’s healing ministry of care and compassion for all peoples.
Governing laws in the church do serve a purpose. Formats of worship serve a purpose. These purposes should not stop us from forming denominational relationships which utilize the strengths of each congregation in a communal fashion. Serve one another. Serve together. Serve ALL mankind.
For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
© Westbrook Design & Publishing, Ink., 2011
