Christian Living

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January 16, 2012 – Can’t We All Just Get Along?

27 Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel). – Philippians 1:27 AMP

Years ago I saw a movie and I don’t even remember its title. I don’t remember the plot or any of the actors. The only thing I remember is the main character, in a moment of anguish, looking up to the sky crying out, “can’t we all just get along?” After reading today’s verse, that phrase really spoke volumes to me.

The truth about the world we live in is that not everyone gets along. Sure, there is constant talk everywhere from the United Nations to hillsides in the country about world peace. And in some respects I believe that our world is a more peaceful place. When there are catastrophic events, like devastating earthquakes or tsunamis, humanity unites to help those people in need. We are filled with compassion for victims in these areas as if they happened in our own backyard. This consideration for our fellow man fills our hearts with peace in a world where some individuals are not peaceful at all.

Here’s the flip side. As much as the world is closer than ever, there are people who are also greedy for power and will go to any means to obtain it. Ruthless dictators, radical terrorist groups, and even religious extremists have made our world a very dangerous place. There are certain countries in the world that people know to stay away from because their life could be threatened. Those guys seem to not be able to get along with anyone. But Paul says in today’s verse that Christians are not to live that way.

Paul calls Christians to stand firm and be united in spirit and purpose. Wow! Wouldn’t it be great if it was like that today among believers? But it’s not. Over hundreds of years, various men have come and interpreted the Bible in different ways. These interpretations have led to so many denominations that someone looking for a church can pick one like they pick produce at a grocery store. They pick whatever looks best to them. Yes, I know that Paul said that it didn’t matter as long as Christ was preached (Philippians 1:18), but I’m quite sure that if Paul saw a homosexual preaching from the pulpit, he would have some serious words of correction.

But wait, the problems don’t end with denomination lines. Sometimes people in the same church can’t even get along with each other. Just like in the corporate world, there’s infighting and power struggles. One group wants things their way and another is dead set against them having it. Shouldn’t God be the one in control? When does the backbiting among such groups end? Is the same Christ even able to be preached under these circumstances? Why are the members of churches not striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith? Why can’t they just get along?

The key to Christians getting along is the Bible. Paul didn’t preach a Baptist message in Philippi and a Methodist message in Ephesus. He didn’t break up the church in Corinth into several factions. It was all about Jesus. It was about living a godly example before unbelievers. It was about Christians standing strong and standing together. It was about putting aside personal agendas for God’s agenda. Paul wanted the church universal to get along. Look at the results of getting along, which Paul describes in the verse immediately following today’s verse.

28 And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God. – Philippians 1:28 AMP

When Christians stand firm and stand together, the world will be changed. Now I am by no means saying that we should all water down our beliefs to accept those in the church that compromise Biblical truth. Marlo even read me a comment from someone once who said that right wing Christianity gave Christians a bad name. What?! Christianity is not politics. Look at it like this. If there is a right wing of Christianity, then there is a wrong wing of Christianity. Forget right and left. There is only right and wrong. And those who are right are not religious fanatics bent on making the world be just like them. Believe it or not, it is possible to correct sinful behavior out of love. It is possible to preach about grace and mercy and also preach about sin and destruction. And regardless of how much you may not believe it, it is possible for all Christians to get along.

Like I said earlier, the Bible is the key. Stand by it no matter what. It is the perfect guide to live by, run a church by, and unite a faith around. When the truths of those pages come alive to the believer, denominational lines will be obliterated. Individual churches will stand firm together in one accord. When the body of Christ chooses to not compromise anything the Bible says, we will be side by side. And after so many years of not living united, we’ll all finally be able to get along.

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