Is it really possible for politics, purpose and peace to live under the same tent? I ask this question after reading some of the news reports and blogs chronicling the 2007 Southern Baptist Convention in San Antonio, TX. Is it really possible for a large group of Christians to gather and agree on what they feel is the direction and guidelines for the Church of Jesus Christ? Does God really want us to expend this kind of energy in such a futile approach to achieve unity? Hasn't history proven this goal is not possible?
The Bible shows us both sides of this equation. Times when men gathered and because these men were devoted leaders and followers of God they were able to accomplish great things for His kingdom. Nehemiah, David, Joshua, Moses were leaders during such times. Yet these same leaders also faced dissent and grumbling and their leadership positions were sometimes not only questioned but openly defied. The beautiful example in Acts of the first church was a large group of people devoted to each other, serving each other and serving their neighbors. This story resonates with such power sadly because it is such a rare occurrence in history. They lived in peace with each other and their community and God added to their numbers daily.
The Bible shows us both sides of this equation. Times when men gathered and because these men were devoted leaders and followers of God they were able to accomplish great things for His kingdom. Nehemiah, David, Joshua, Moses were leaders during such times. Yet these same leaders also faced dissent and grumbling and their leadership positions were sometimes not only questioned but openly defied. The beautiful example in Acts of the first church was a large group of people devoted to each other, serving each other and serving their neighbors. This story resonates with such power sadly because it is such a rare occurrence in history. They lived in peace with each other and their community and God added to their numbers daily.
