The Foundational Principle The Church Isn't Following
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Foundational Principle The Church Isn't Following

"As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

19
The Foundational Principle The Church Isn't Following

I was recently asked the question, "What issue does the church need to tackle the most?"

That question got me thinking. There are issues like poverty, homelessness, lack of clean drinking water, war, and sickness that are ruining lives around the world on a daily basis. However, there is a major foundation we are missing as a body of Christ that is causing people to stay as far away from the church as they can.

Our issue is that we generally stick around with those who think, talk, and act like we do. And I'm not even talking about Christians only being around other Christians. I'm talking about the way that we as Christians separate ourselves into segments based on where we stand on certain issues or what background we come from.

While it's natural to want to be around people you agree with, it's important to gain the ability to be around and love people who you disagree with. And sometimes being around people who have a different view on the world can stir something within you and broaden your point of view. Being closed-minded is a common stereotype of the church, so how cool would it be to see that turned around? Just imagine how powerful it would be to see us as a church becoming as open to other people as Jesus was and still is.

We also talk a lot in the church about how important diversity is, but mostly the word "diversity" is reserved for diversity of races. But I think the word can and should be used in a broader sense. We need diversity of race, yes, but we also need diversity of backgrounds so that we can learn that a person's past does not define their future. We need diversity in the way that we dress so that we can learn to not judge someone by how they choose to express themselves. We need diversity in age so that generations can intermingle and share stories, advice and wisdom with one another. We need diversity in beliefs so that our point of view is not based on assumptions, but is shaped by others' stories.

Diversity and openness may sound like trivial problems compared to the issues going on around the world, but if we are unable to have a solid foundation within ourselves as a body of believers, how can we go out and help the world?

How does it look to an outside person to see a group of people who all love the same God, and yet bash each other for the little differences that always seem to come between us?

The truth is, it doesn't look good. So my plea to the church is to continue to reach out to those suffering in the world, but to also realize that there are people suffering amongst our congregations because they don't feel like they fit into the cookie-cutter Christian mold. Learn their stories, hear their points of view because you can't truly love a person until you know them.

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” -Mark 12:29-31

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43445
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27313
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952227
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

145486
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments