Who is our enemy?

It was twenty years ago when I listened to the entire set of 70 tapes on Pastoral Theology by Al Martin, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in NJ.  His well-studied and mature views of ministry were a formative influence on my thinking and practice.  But I well remember the day when he addressed how we look on those who differ with us in the faith -- Arminians, Paedobaptists, Egalitarians, even people who apply common convictions differently.  It was a truth I would hold on to and fight for in my heart in the years that have followed . . .

Luke 9:49-50  John answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us."  But Jesus said to him, "Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you."

This was the text he referred to . . .  and I saw in it my tendency to see all who are not in full agreement with me as my enemies.  I try to stop them.

They are not "following with us" -- they are not five pointers, or full two point complementarians, or paedobaptists, or believe in cessationism, or believe in two kinds of elders, or congregational government, or even believing egalitarians.  They home school or public school or private school.  They are not of my church group.  The list goes on.

I see them as enemies -- I critique them -- I write lengthy exposes of their errors.  I "discern" (O cursed word that is so misused) their real intentions and mixed motives. There is a huge element of pride in my heart that makes enemies of all who dare to disagree with me.

But they bear the fruit of the Spirit -- that is what Jesus is saying. Edwards work on Religious Affections was crucial for me here -- where there are the distinguishing marks of a work of the Spirit of God, we have a work of God, even where it is corrupt in some places.  The people John wanted to stop were doing the work of God.

And Jesus offers a summary rebuke -- why do you try to stop them, they are on the same team!  Either that, or call them children of the devil.

That is the place where Al Martin spoke to application -- beware of making the Arminian down the street into your enemy.  You are saying the devil started their church! 

That was so clear and so helpful.  It does not mean I become doctrinally indifferent and mushy.  I still live with convictions.  But it means I am careful not to become a spiritual bloodhound (to use Spurgeon's phrase) and sniff out all traces of differences with me and call it "the slippery slope" and treat these others as enemies. 

Until we arrive at the feet of Jesus, there will be many things in which we differ.  Let us hold to our convictions firmly and with humility -- and if Christ is preached, even if not done in my style, then let us rejoice and not make enemies of friends.  Friendly fire is the tool of the devil.

Comments

[ejding]

Mark,

Thank you for a timely post. We are considering starting a church from our home, and these thoughts speak loudly both to how we "justify" such a venture -- with "so many" churches in the landscape -- and how we guard ourselves against a wrong attitude toward pre-existing assemblies that happen to disagree with us in convictions and preferences.

[David Fairchild]

Mark,
Great word brother. Wow does this apply to the blogosphere where we often hide behind our 2 dimensional screens assuming 4 dimensional discernment.

Thanks for the reminder.

[Steve Farrington]

Mark,

A very helpful reminder. Thanks for your faithfulness.

Steve Farrington