In all things love . . . (on legalism in the church)

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Recently, in the middle of the sermon, a couple boldly walked out on the church where they had served faithfully for nearly 2 years. The sermon centered on the issue of tithing, and they didn’t believe tithing was a New Testament mandate.

They went on to foster a campaign in social media meant to destroy this particular church . . . the pastor more specifically. It was brutal and created much stress and hurt for the church.

Whether or not you agree or disagree with a biblical mandate of tithing has little bearing on the message of this post. Please don’t make it about that should you choose to comment. The issue I want to discuss here is much broader than that — it’s the issue of legalism in the church.

The issue this couple disagreed with had little to do with salvation, doctrine, or theology. Apparently, they had a personal conviction on this matter, and that is fine. Even the pastor would agree with that. But their insistence that everyone agree with their stance both on tithing and that the pastor was basically a heretic, created a situation that was completely unnecessary. There was no discussion, no considering the other side. It was agree with us…or else. End of story.

Or at least their story in the life of this particular church. Unless you consider the irreparable damage caused by their desire to destroy it.

In all things love . . . on legalism in the church

Time and time again, I see the church (I mean you and me — the people) torn apart because of legalism in nonessentials. You know, those things we “believe” that really have little to do with the truth about salvation, but become so important that people leave the church over them.

Or reject Jesus from the start over them.

There are essential doctrines that must be held — that require unity in order for the body of Christ to function in a way that brings glory to the Father. We have issues with these in the church, too. Many people don’t seem to understand that truth IS absolute.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. That is truth. That is absolute. We are all sinners is truth. Jesus came to earth to live, die, and resurrect to cover that sin. That is truth. That is absolute. Belief in these things is essential, not just for a unified body, but for salvation.

Having a glass of wine with dinner, what kind of music to play at church, or when Jesus was born (Christmas or springtime?) are nonessentials. Even the issue of tithing (or not) is a nonessential. These kinds of issues should not divide the body of Christ, or worse even — keep someone at arm’s length from the body of Christ.

If we spend our time fighting over the things that don’t really matter, we lose our opportunity to reach those who need to hear the Truth that does really matter. People are watching us. From inside the church as well as outside. Often times people are deciding what they believe about who Jesus is by the way we “do church.”

Let me say this right now . . . I am not a believer in seeker-friendly churches. I am not saying that we should withhold speaking boldly and loudly about what is true in order to draw in the masses. To me, that is heresy. But what I am absolutely opposed to is making such big issues of matters that do not involve salvation that we push people away before they actually get to hear the Truth of the gospel. It is a tactic of the enemy that we mush resist at all costs.

In Essentials, Unity, In Non-essentials, Liberty, In all things, Charity

Whether we are discussing essentials or nonessentials, the bottom line is this . . . we need to remember the charity part more.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment.And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ~Matthew 22:36-39

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. ~1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ~1 John 4:7-8

Yes . . . we definitely need more love. Love is one of those essential things. The next time you disagree with your pastor, or anyone in your church, really, take a good, hard look and determine whether you are disagreeing with something essential for salvation . . . or not. Then act accordingly. In love.

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If you enjoyed this article, you might also like to read Truth from Romans 8:28 — ALL THINGS.

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In all things . . . love (on legalism in the church)