Erik Raymond: "people who are being selfish don’t see it this way. They see their issue as the issue."

HOW CHURCH SQUABBLES HINDER GOSPEL WORK

Erik Raymond has written another great blog post HERE .

Here is an excerpt. -------------

When we let peripheral issues rise to the place of prominence then we have displaced the gospel. Instead of embracing the humility to be of the same mind (Phil. 2:2-4) they desire to put themselves first. Instead of applying the gospel to every situation they selectively apply it how they want to. We have to see that when it comes to mission these secondary squabbles are a real problem. It is like a nail in the tire of mission; it deflates the gospel and slows down its progress.

However, most people who are being selfish don’t see it this way. They see their issue as the issue. They have a real hard time seeing the prominence of the gospel. They refuse to apply it but would rather just simmer and boil. They forget that the gospel is not just the way in but the way on. It is not just what gives us life but it must shape our life. Paul’s main point in this letter is that the Christians must conduct their lives in a manner worthy of the gospel (Phil. 1:27). In order to do this they must apply the gospel. When Paul calls out these two women and tells them to work it out he makes his point. Would that our churches would hear it loud and clear.

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