To Disagree, Healthy?

Disagreement a common experience that we have all shared in at one time or another, despite the desire to be united under the Holy Spirit.  We are no more likely to eliminate all areas of conflict and disagreement than we can to eliminate all sin from our lives no matter how hard we desire to live godly.  We are therefore; forced to wrestle with our conduct as it should be towards those with whom we disagree.

Not all disagreement is bad.  In fact it can be very healthy.  Christians are not mindless robots who yield to the ipse dixit of whoever speaks.  Disagreement is indicative of the healthy existence of such traits as independent thinking, personal study of the Bible and the refusal to submit to any authority except that of Jesus Christ.

No one is infallible; we need saints who challenge what is said to clarify its truth.  The wise said, ”Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Prov.27:17).  Unless one is so arrogant as to think that he is never in error or “infallible”, he should give thanks that the saints are examining what he says or teaches and is willing to test it in the Light of the Scriptures.

This is a safeguard, not only to others, but also to one’s own knowledge of truth in the Word and in his salvation.  Remember the words of Paul: “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Tim. 4:16).

Although disagreements can be unpleasant at times, they are better for us than the alternatives available to us; mindless submission to some worldly or religious authority, such as a dictator, fatherhead, creed or council. 

We need to adjust our thinking about disagreements among ourselves to see them as signs of health and life, instead of as works of the flesh.  Don’t let our disagreements between ourselves degenerate into that of Satan’s work as can occur if we allow it.

How do we then treat One another when we disagree?

·         Be willing to discuss our differences.  “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though yours sins be scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool”(Isa. 1:18).

·         We should listen to what our fellow Christian is saying so that we can accurately reproduce what he believes.  In other words, state his position in words that he could endorse as to what he said.

·         We should accept one’s basic integrity until and unless compelling evidence forces us to believe otherwise.  “Bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things” (1 Cor.13:7).

·         Avoid hostile or inflammatory language.  We should be hesitant to brand another as a false teacher, heretic, sectarian and similar epithets just because we see differently from one another or we refuse to yield just to ”win in our own mind” the disagreement.

 ·         Always follow the “golden rule”.  “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do toyou, do ye even so to them: for this is the law of the prophets” (Matt. 7:12)

What fate can lie ahead of those saints who refuse to discuss difference?  When the bonds of communication are broken, the gap between their thinking will grow larger.  If we as children of God don’t wish that to happen, we must keep the lines of communication open and together we will achieve unity under the revealed Word of God, our love of Jesus Christ, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  -SM