Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.” vss. 40-41
Mark 9:38-41
Jesus wasn’t nearly so fussy about boundaries as his disciples seem to have been. John had gotten all bent out of shape because he had seen an outsider casting out demons in Jesus’ name. It was as though this interloper was infringing on their ministry! Jesus tells him to settle down–the work was being done, folks were being healed. What difference did it make who did it? It’s easy to get into that territorial mindset as the followers of Jesus. Congregations of different denominations become rivals and quickly begin competing with one another for members and ministry advantages. And when Mormons or Jehovah Witnesses move into town and start going door to door, resentments turn into anger. Pastors wonder what these interlopers are doing, and it isn’t long before classes are being held to warn “true believers” about the supposed heresies of the “sheep-stealers.” We waste so much energy in the church chasing heresies! We are quick to forget that we live in a broken world and that the mission of restoration and healing is massive. It could very well be that these non-mainstream believers can be our partners in bringing good news to the poor, and that they can reach the folks we’ve missed! And, praise God, many times they do!
Thought for the Day: Why do mainline Christians often resent Mormons?
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