Acts 15.36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. 15.37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 15.38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 15.39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 15.40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 15.41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Not every decision that must be made in the life of the Church is a “slam dunk”. Although the absolute truth of Scripture is not a matter of private interpretation, the day to day decision making in church life is not always a straight path from home plate to first base.
Paul and Barnabas are two men of God. They are used mightily by God. People come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through them. God does miracles through them. Therefore, it would be assumed that when it comes to making a decision on whether or not they should take John Mark with them on the second missionary journey, they would be in total agreement. They both love Jesus. They both believe in the inerrancy of Scripture. They both have the witness of the indwelling The Holy Ghost. A no brainer, right? Wrong. They split company and have a sharp dispute over this matter. Who is Right?
What does this dispute and difference of opinion teach us? Spirit filled followers of Jesus Christ will not always view practical matters in church life the same way. Same holds true in many day to day differing convictions of followers of Jesus on many matters that are not clear, “Thus saith The Lord” matters. So what is the answer?
Accept the fact that believers do indeed disagree and have different opinions on non-salvation, day-to-day practical matters. Pray that those differences will not divide you. Pray that God would allow you to see the opposite view and not interpret it as them rejecting you.
Endeavor to maintain the unity of The Spirit in the bond of peace. When the body of Christ is divided, Who bleeds? Selah
The CEO of a large company I used to work for would always seek what he called a “minority opinion”. By that he meant an opinion that differed from what appeared to be the consensus. He would seek alternative views not to be divisive, but to explore options not being considered. As it turned out, often these minority opinions shed new light on matters and became the “majority opinion”. Some of the people in the room who were timid or intimidated by the “higher ups” at times had the right answer. I learned a lot from this CEO (also a man of faith) and tried to apply it in my own endeavors.
Being human we are all flawed. ALL of us have PhDs in imperfection 😀. As long as dissention happens for the right reason, (not pride), it can be constructive. The beauty of God’s word is that He always speaks the truth. There is error in our ways, but never in His.
The bible teaches that we should submit to authority (1 Peter 2:13-17, Romans 13:1-7). At the same time, respectful suggestions, especially those we hear from that still small voice, add, not subtract. When all is said and done, do we differ from the status quo to satisfy our needs, or His?
Martin Luther presented a minority opinion when he nailed the “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” on that church door. He translated the bible so the common man could understand the word of God. Inspired boldness and disagreement, was not well received by the higher ups of the day. However, positive reception came from that Someone Highest Up.
Let us both be receptive to different views, and bold as we respectfully present alternatives. All we do in submission to Elohim, our God Most High. Amen.
Blessings,
JoseM