“Anyone who is not against us is for us.”
Mark 9:40 NLT
Sometimes, people in different streams of the faith don’t appreciate or understand what others are doing and become suspicious or condemnatory. You see this often on social media platforms. People are often not on their best behavior online.
John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”
Mark 9:38 NLT
Tribalism is still an unfortunate reality in the Body of Christ at this present moment. Fortunately, it is diminishing as the Lord brings people to full maturity in Christ.
“Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me.”
Mark 9:39 NLT
Agape love is how we measure spiritual maturity. Jesus is the standard by which we judge ourselves.
Success in ministry is not measured by physical metrics. They simply bear witness to what is happening in the spiritual realm. Success is love.
Are you loving others like Jesus does? You are being a successful minister of grace. The Spirit of God will bear much fruit. Keep loving fearlessly and see what God does.
We must realize that anyone who is not against us is for us. That’s a liberating thought. We have freedom in Christ. We don’t all have to be cookie cutter Christians.
We don’t all have to “do church” the same way at the same time every week. Every local church is like a spiritual family. Do all families function and relate to one another the same? No. They’re all unique. And every time a new person joins the family, the dynamic changes. Let’s embrace change.
We are all uniquely and wonderfully made. Diversity of giftings and expressions are what enable us to collectively reach anyone anywhere with the transformational message of the Gospel.
Do you believe that Jesus is Lord? Then we’re all on the same team. Let’s put down our pitchforks and pick up our crosses.
God is unifying His Body. Faith and love are the common denominators. Have faith and love one another! That’s the witness the world is waiting for before they take the plunge. They already know the message. They’re just looking for some disciples to walk with them as they turn from worldliness and walk in holiness.
Let us be the Church that God has called us to be. Be love. That is Christ. God is love.
Father in Heaven, may we no longer divide over differences of opinion on matters inconsequential to eternal life. May we be the embodiment of God’s love here on Earth. In the Mighty Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
Ephesians 4:1 NLT
Recommended reading: Mark 9 and Ephesians 4.
Igniter Ministries 