First things first… I got married to an amazing woman, and look forward to spending the rest of my life with her. The wedding was beautiful, and sweet, and even funny at times. It was such an honer to be supported by so many people I have known throughout my life. I had elementary friends, high school friends, college friends, adult friends, and relatives all in attendance, and in support of the union. Thank you all for being a friend to me.
The wedding was 15 days ago, and I have spent 2 nights in my bed. The honeymoon took us to Florida, and then one night at home, followed by a week of taking a group of kids to church camp for a week. Then one more night at home.
While I was at camp, I sparked a conversation with a youth-minister intern. He is working at a congregation in a fairly large city, in which there are two Churches of Christ (shocking… I know). The other congregation within the city employs a dear friend of mine. So, before I tell you about this conversation, Let’s make sure we have all our facts in order. Two congregations, one city, both are Churches of Christ, not only by name, but by “non-denomination” and belief. Members at both congregation are “slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6) both are devoted to the teachings of Christ (Acts 2:42) both worship a God of Peace (1 Cor. 14:33) both are “One body with many parts” (1 Cor 12) both are Christians… the list could go on and on. Anyway, back to the conversation. Without letting the intern know that I was friends with the minister at the other congregation, I asked him if he was familiar with the %#@*^$*^%#& Church of Christ. He answered with a nod of the head and a look as though the name should not even be mentioned in public. I proceed to ask “what are they like?” And the very first thing he says is they are like the XXXXXXX CHURCH OF CHRIST (another large congregation) and asks if I have ever been there. I say no, and he says “Well, they do all kinds of things that…uh… scripture says not to do” I said “Like what” he says “EVERYTHING, clapping hands and all that” I nod my head and said “Oh, ok” He then says this… he actually says this… “I’ve never been, that’s just what I heard.”
I was speechless, needless to say that was the end of the conversation. Now, you may not be as appalled about this as I am, but that might be what the problem is. Yes, this type of thing happens everyday. I don’t care if you have the “steps to salvation” printed on the side of your church van, who do you think you are gossiping about other parts of the body of Christ. I don’t put all the blame on this poor intern who has been there for a month and a half, and has ALREADY been told what goes on at another congregation in such a negative and condemning manner. When did “I was raised” become more important than “The Bible says”? The instrumental music and hand-clapping issue has been a debate for years and years, and has now became a mole hill, with the mountain being how we treat our brothers and sisters.
Where do we go from here? Are there apologies necessary, repentance, confession, a new area-wide drive for unity within the church? Do we simply stop hating other Christians, even over issues about what we like or don’t like instead of whats wrong and right. Do we follow the Bible instead of the people who have a vendetta? Wow… I didn’t mean to sound that sarcastic.
2 Comments
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
Leave a comment
Congratulations Daniel! We would have liked to have been at your wedding…I’m sorry we couldn’t be…but I’m glad you were surrounded by friends and family. Having watched you grow up I’m proud of the man you are… love your family so much…and can’t wait to meet this wonderful woman you’re bragging about. Never stop bragging about her. I always admire a man who brags about his wife.
Great point, by the way. I think we all must lead the way in loving others … which sometimes means letting someone know they’re not acting in a very loving manner.
john
Hody Mody! I find it hard to believe that you are married. Saw your dad the other day and he said the wedding was great, but that he’s broke. You might want to help him out a little bit there. Tell your mom and sister hello for the Jarretts. I still remember when your family served the church on Grand Cayman. A group of us from MBC went down there for a campaign and every time someone would say something about “Miami” you would say, “It’s not your ami, it’s my daddy’s ami.” What a hoot! LOL.
Congratulations!
Glenn