by juliaf from www.sxc.hu
I attended the Better Conference back in September. There was a round table discussion with five of our most respected and successful preachers. All were veterans with ministry experience of 40-60 years. They were discussing various ministry topics when a question was asked about how to handle those of other Christian faiths.
One brother said that for years he had often assumed that folks in denominational churches held their beliefs because of tradition or had insincere motives in interpreting Scripture. He said, over the years after studying and being friends with many who differ from him, he learned to appreciate Proverbs 21:2. It says:
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.”
People who believe in the sinners’ prayer for salvation, once saved always saved, premillennialism, or other doctrines which we would strongly disagree with them on in churches of Christ are not insincere. They are doing what they believe to be right. Most all have pure motives and desire to follow God’s word.
If we begin with this premise of their sincerity, rather than assuming negative thoughts about why they believe what they believe, we will come to the table of discussion with common ground and an attitude of love.
1 comment
This is great and very true. I remember learning this when I was young and it took away my self-righteousness!