Keeping the "Main Thing" the "Main Thing"

“Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Recently a few of you have asked me about my thoughts on several controversial actions in society and the church such as the new Georgia Gun law, and a recent decision by our United Methodist Church’s Judicial Council. 

While these actions raise important questions for us all, I want to encourage and challenge us as people of faith to do something beyond simply the typical human response of “taking sides” in a way that judges others who disagree.  It’s okay to have opinions (even strong ones) about the issues at stake.  It’s okay to take stands about what you believe (and your church leadership will be finding ways to do this in appropriate ways in the near future).

In the meantime, however, I want to remind us all that life and faith together is not (and never should be) defined merely by our “positions” on any particular hot-topic or “litmus test” issue, but by our devotion and commitment to the one who is the Savior of us all:  Jesus Christ!  Whether we are gun-toters, gun-haters, pacifists, or militarists, Jesus wants to be our Lord! Whether we are gay, straight, conservative, progressive, agree that same-sex marriage is God’s will or think that those who do are “going to hell”, Jesus wants to be our Lord!  Whether we are “blue” Democrats, “red” Republicans, “green” Independents, or among those who refuse to be categorized one way or another, Jesus wants to be our Lord!

Simply put, our faith in Christ should be bigger than our faith or commitment to any particular political or theological position or issue.  For a person of Christian faith, Jesus is the main thing, and nothing else!  Let’s keep it that way and not let controversial issues divide us.  We can, should, and will discuss, share, disagree about issues, but let’s not let these cause us to be judgmental or disrespectful to anyone, especially to those with whom we disagree.  As the apostle Paul says above, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, make… every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

May the God who is bigger than any of our earthly “issues” or “positions” give us strength to rise above the behavior of the rest of the world – to model respectful dialogue and disagreement in love.  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!