I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual. (Matthew 12:7 Message)
As a child enduring abuse, I clung to the
restrictions of a legalistic church. They taught that a Christian could lose
her salvation. I avoided that scary possibility by following the list of
“don’ts”:
·
smoke
·
drink
·
dance
·
cuss
·
have sex outside of marriage
·
go to movies
·
wear short skirts or jeans
The perfectionism I strove to achieve brought no
joy. Over time, God taught me that I was not only “dead to sin” but also “alive
in Christ.” My understanding of the Christian life shifted, to one inspired by
my relationship with a Holy God and His love for me.
I still clung to the idea of a “perfect” theology,
however. After Bible college and seminary, I substituted a system of theology
for a list of rules. Christians
disagreed on a few peripherals, such as the timing of baptism, the millennium
question, and so on. I did not
anticipate disagreements over things like. . .
·
the Trinity
·
salvation vs. conversion
·
The origin of sin
Our differences came up at an ecumenical Bible study
at work, with people as dedicated to a right understanding the Bible, as I was.
I was flummoxed.
Now I live in a nursing home with people from several
denominations, including one I label a “cult.” One of their members clings to
one central truth: Jesus loves me, this I
know; and He is my Savior.
I am not ready to give that “cult” a free
pass—but I know that lady will be in heaven when she dies.
A flexible heart to accept those of different
lifestyles and doctrines—asking God to show us which hearts are true to Him.
The longer I live, the more rubbery I get.
