The great church father, Augustine, had it right when he surveyed the church and proclaimed, “In essentials, unity, in non-essentials, liberty, in all things charity.” One does not pen brilliant aphorisms from a vacuum. No doubt, Augustine saw the propensity for people to squabble, and he came to a place that he simply was tired of it. I think there probably were times when Augustine simply wanted to say: “C’mon people, can’t you all just got along, and stop all this infighting.”
I do not know what it is about the church, but frankly, I get tired of some of the pettiness that takes place in churches. Places that are sanctuaries for broken and bruised people, who need the healing touch of Jesus, often become an intramural court for a whole host of people who simply love to argue. Isn’t it time that we allow Jesus, the one who gives peace, penetrate our hearts, and bring healing from our tendencies to fight? C’mon people...can’t we all just get along and stop all the infighting?”
I think the Apostle Paul met his tipping point in working with some people. After being transparent and authentic, after calling out the Judaizers, after calling out the Antinomians, he inks his quill, and takes aim at the leadership of the church. He tells Euodia and Synteyche to “live in harmony” (Philippians 4:2). Paul had enough of their spirit of disharmony, and he calls them out, and says, “C’mon you two, can’t you two get along, and stop all the infighting.”
People need Jesus. Not just for the security of future destiny. People need Jesus to come into their raging hearts; and where there is war and strife, they need Jesus to bring Peace. He has given us HIS PEACE (John 14:27). We are to model that to the world. C’mon people...just stop the infighting (Matthew 5:9). Embrace Christ!
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