Hello

Jesus didn’t say anything about how he wanted us, his followers, to organize ourselves.  He didn’t even tell us what we should do when we meet together.  This means that every group of his followers can organize ourselves in ways that are appropriate to our own cultures and our own times.  We don’t have to do things the same way others do.  And, importantly, we don’t have to do things the same way others have done them in the past.

Even though Jesus didn’t tell us how to organize ourselves, he did say a lot about how he wants us to act.  Most importantly, he said he wants us to act according to his/God’s commands. (Some examples: Matthew 7:21; Matthew 7:24-27; Matthew 12:50; Luke 11:28; John 8:31-32.).  Basically, there are two commands that we need to follow – “Love God” (with everything you’ve got) and “Love others the same way you love yourself”.  Everything else depends on these two.  Jesus said so (Matthew 22:37-40. See also Mark 12:28-32; Luke 10:25-28).  OK, Jesus also left us with a short list of commands but I reckon that every one of those commands just gives us practical detail on how we are to obey the two, most important, commands.  (There is a link to a list of Jesus’ commands “What does Jesus want his followers to do?” below.)

So, we just need to love God and love others.  Is there a problem?  Yes, there is.  We are all aware of the many, many divisions within the global Christian church to which we belong.  These divisions are maintained and worsened by the rules that have been imposed, over time, in our various denominations.  These rules are not Jesus’ commands; they are human rules, and they cause divisions. One way we can start healing those divisions is to get rid of these human rules that divide the church. These human rules were introduced by people and people can get rid of them.  Perhaps it would be good if every Christian church, denomination, and organization examined its rules to see whether they encourage unity or division.  If any rule is found to encourage division – get rid of it.  That sounds like I’m dreaming.  I know that.  The truth is, of course, that achieving real change in denominations that are bound by centuries of human traditions and rules will be extremely difficult and may not even be possible.  Today, many Christians are leaving mainstream denominations.  They are developing simpler ways of expressing their love for God.  This is very good, and their witness to non-Christians is likely to be simpler, clearer, and more effective.

If we believe God wants us to be part of a mainstream denomination, then we must work for change within that denomination.  If, on the other hand, we believe that God wants us to be part of a group of his followers outside mainstream denominations, then we have the privilege of serving him, and others, free from the rules that have been layered upon the church over the centuries.  In either case we must continue to recognize one another as sisters and brothers in Christ.  A follower of Jesus who stays in a mainstream denomination must recognize those who leave as sisters and brothers.  A follower who leaves must recognize those who stay as sisters and brothers.  And we must love, respect and listen to each other.

Let’s all love and serve our loving, heavenly Father.

Jesus is Lord.

Peter O

 

Related Articles

“What does Jesus want his followers to do?”

“What did Jesus say about obeying God?”

“What did Jesus say about the church?”

“Where are Christian churches going wrong?”

“Do we follow the teachings of Jesus in our church services?”

 

 

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