Membership Means Something
The message you are sending when you say, "I'm a member of ____," implies you endorse the beliefs of that church.
Where do you go to church? Why? Proximity to your home? You grew up there? Great programs or an inspirational preacher?
There’s a better reason for attending a church, and it has been highlighted in the recent political scene in America.
Presidential hopefuls Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain each distanced themselves from churches and preachers and their inflammatory messages. Under scrutiny during a presidential campaign, it’s not a good time for these men to be associated with anyone who can drag them down. Even a pastor or a church.
Obama resigned his membership at Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ, where he attended for nearly two decades. McCain repudiated the views of televangelists John Hagee and Rod Parsley and rejected their endorsements of his candidacy.
Political decisions? Of course. But the reason the decisions were made highlights the truth that membership or endorsement means something: affiliation. People have the right to assume that you are affiliated with the beliefs of your church, religious organization, synod, or denomination. The message you are sending when you say, “I’m a member of ____,” is one that implies you endorse the beliefs of that church.
This should be nothing new to Christians. Most of the books in the New Testament are letters written to churches related to affiliating or not affiliating with other churches or religious leaders. Read the first chapter of Galatians or the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. Or browse through the epistles of John and notice statements like “let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18), and “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him” (2 John 10), and “that we may work together for the truth” (3 John 8).
The Bible calls this “church fellowship,” meaning a unanimous agreement on the teachings of Scripture. Not a few primary teachings but “everything” (Matthew 28:20).
It can be sad when an individual Christian or a congregation must distance from another because of erroneous teaching. At the same time, it offers an opportunity for a Christian or congregation to state their belief and why it’s so important. Recently a group of evangelical leaders stated their case in a 19-page manifesto presented at the National Press Club http://www.anevangelicalmanifes
These days loyalty to an organization is not a high priority. Professional sports coaches bounce around and companies snuggle up to any politician who can promote their product. But where there is fickle loyalty, there is less meaningful influence.
Be a part of a church that teaches what the Bible says and make a meaningful difference for those who aren’t quite sure whom to follow. Take a stand. And then, if you’re interested, you can run for president.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, you prayed for the unity of believers but we have not been able to practice it. Send your Spirit to clarify our confession of faith, and to give us courage to stand up for the beliefs of Scripture. Let us rejoice in the beliefs we do share with others, but not settle for such agreement as the type of unity you truly desire. May the practice of church fellowship strengthen believers to know, appreciate, and share the one, true faith. Amen.