There's someone I know who, when talking about certain Christians in other churches, will often say "they're just not where we are"! Have to admit, every time I hear them say that, it grieves me. I know they're totally unaware of my feelings on that, and since I love them a great deal, I don't confront them in front of others.
First of all, what do they mean by that? The assertion is, we're more spiritual than "those people". We know more about the Bible, more about the Holy Spirit, more about His gifts, etc.. You may say, well maybe they don't mean it that way. Oh no, trust me- that's exactly what they're trying to say.
Second, how does it sound? It sounds prideful, doesn't it? Have you ever felt like you were better than another? Just being honest, I'm sure that I have. I'm ashamed of that now and hope I'm never like that again. Especially since, one of those seven sins that God hates the most is pride.
Recently something happened that caused me to reflect on this a great deal. I'm on the organizational board of a Christian group, which will remain nameless. In our monthly meeting, someone suggested that to make sure our group doesn't allow any rogue members to infiltrate our ranks. Someone at the national level wanted require all members to sign a "statement of faith". Personally I agreed with everything the statement said. BUT I had a big issue with the intent of the requirement. One section of the statement said that "we believe in the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed". Well, have to admit, I agree with them too. But to make a rule that says "unless you agree with our creeds, you can't participate in our functions"? Think about that. That's like saying, unless you believe in the creeds, you're "not where we are"! I spent most of my adult life in churches that don't recite the creeds. Do I think those churches are "not where I am"? Not as spiritual? Nooooo! They're just as spiritual and just as loved by God. Thankfully the other members of the board voted down that (shall I say) stupid requirement. I hope we open our doors to any Christian denomination.
I for one, do not intend to be like the Pharisee in the following parable Jesus told..
And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)
(Blind Men of Indostan)
