Photo by Joshua Hanson on Unsplash
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Fans” are steadfast, devoted followers of teams, artists, or public figures. But fanaticism can become so strong that fans begin to exclude others from their circle of friends simply because they’re fans of the wrong thing – even if everything else about them indicates they should be friends! With football season starting, it’s possible Washington Football Club fans and Cowboys fans won’t be speaking for a while. I’m glad a guy I know became friends with me before I found out he was a Yankee fan – other than that, he’s a great guy!
Extreme fandom, while creating unity between those dedicated to their favorite cause also creates division, or worse. This even happens in God’s church. Very ugly division has cropped up over things that don’t truly matter when it comes to our faith in Jesus Christ. Yet sinful people let these things – known as “adiaphora” (things neither commanded nor prohibited by God’s Word) – divide the church. But God’s Word warns us against division based on these things – for example, the food we eat (or won’t eat), days we hold important (or don’t) (Romans 14:2-6). What matters in areas of adiaphora is the reason for fanaticism. If it’s directed at honoring the Lord, Jesus Christ, and doesn’t divide us, that’s okay. Paul writes, “If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.” (Romans 14:8-9)
So, whether we worship with organs and choirs – or drums and guitars, fancy robes and paraments – or jeans and t-shirts, strict liturgy – or free flowing words and music … it’s not about the worship style or method. It’s all about the Cross of Christ – devoting ourselves to Him and, with all our hearts, minds, and souls, believing in what He did there to bring us into His heavenly kingdom. I’m a fan of that.
In Christ,
Pastor Jim