In the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, why can’t Christian “Baptists” live peaceably and stop devouring one another? We have earned ourselves the unlovely name of “the most disagreeable denomination” in existence. How does this reflect Jesus?
A private prayer language or a dual effort to win souls for Christ with a group of believers who do not have “Baptist” stamped on their backs, etc. — what is our goal? To reach people for Jesus or just to have it our way? We must stay true to God even if we have to relinquish our man-made doctrines and traditions. He will lead us through the roadblocks straight to His own heart, not for glory He can give us but just to know Him, to be one with Him.
Since Jesus is our High Priest, the Holy Spirit is indwelling us and God’s Word is our pattern, let us stop deciding what God calls someone else to do. Jesus told his disciples not to interfere with the work others were doing in His name, even though they were not of the 12. Are all Baptists going to heaven, and are only Baptists going to heaven? God calls for “unity,” not “uniformity.”
If we do not allow God to use us (as Baptists) or change us when we are wrong, He will move us out of the way. We do not want to bite and devour one another, lest we consume one another (Gal. 5:15), and please let us not interfere with God’s work through others. Exalt the name of Jesus, not Baptists. Let us set a good example for the world so that when they see “Baptist” they will think “Jesus.”
I am a Southern Baptist.
G.S. Tatum
Decatur, Ala.
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