Read John 15:1-7, Read Romans 12:4-5, Read 1 Corinthians 1
This week we will focus on how various church movements/denominations view leadership. Each movement had its own unique perspective. Each church movement has its own strengths and weaknesses. By emphasizing one key truth from Scripture, they run the risk of under-emphasizing other key biblical truths.
For instance, Greek/Eastern Orthodox perspectives emphasize the wonder and mystery of a relationship with God through Christ, but sometimes at the expense of a faith that is applicable in the normal, everyday rigors of life. In a similar vein, Catholicism and other “High Church” movements emphasize the beauty of rites, rituals and traditions, but often at the expense of the wonderful informality that comes with being a child of God through Christ. Quakers, Pentecostal, and Charismatic types emphasize being led by the Spirit and the power of the Spirit, but sometimes at the expense of a logical understanding of Scripture. “Reformed” church traditions emphasize the soundness of doctrine, but often at the expense of being led by the Spirit.
So what can be done with this dilemma? The solutions proposed below are ones that are relevant not just for our personal faith, but also for our leadership practices, because as always, everything begins with our heart attitudes. Consider:
- Keep the main thing the main thing. The main thing, of course, is the gospel of Jesus Christ. There’s a time and place to discuss differences, but above all, we as the body of Christ should be unified on the power and authority of Jesus Christ as the savior of all humankind.
- We all need one another. Denominational differences in the body of Christ become a problem when everyone involved succumbs to pride. But if we remember that strength may also reveal a weakness, and vice versa, we would be much more humble in dealing with people coming from another perspective or operating with a different set of strengths than we have.
- Heresies cannot be tolerated. Even as we love one another, we do not allow “wolves in sheep’s clothing” to come into the body of Christ and, for their own selfish purposes, undermine a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
- God is faithful when we are not. No church movement will have the final say on who is the most right, because in the end, none of us are the “most right”—only God will receive all of the glory. Our ultimate allegiance is not to a particular church, but rather to Jesus Christ.
Consider the following as you reflect on this week’s devotional:
- Where in your professional or personal life has strife destroyed relationships and teamwork?
- How might a Christ-centered approach (keeping the main thing the main thing) have saved you and others from being hurt by that conflict?
- What are some takeaways for you from this devotional in terms of your own leadership practices and your life in general?
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