I was going through some papers in my office and came across some notes I wrote sometime last year. One sentence jumped out at me and got me thinking and expanding on the idea. It is the first sentence below and the rest was added today…
What is ultimately important is not that we pronounce the name of God correctly, but that we recognize and honor the image of God in each other.
What is ultimately important is not that we can define the character and nature of God, but that we reflect and share the love and compassion of God to each other.
What is ultimately important is not that we say the right words or sing the right songs or pray the right prayers, but that we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the lonely, and serve the needy.
What is ultimately important is not that we have a seat at the table of power, but that we make sure there is a room for everyone at the table of communion and grace.
For the things that we have thought to be important are often the very things that divide us, but the things that really matter will bring us together, despite our differences.
Battles over correct theology or ethics will inevitably leave people on the outside. Recognizing the divine in each other will bring people in and render so many of our heated battles irrelevant.
In the end, I am not really worried about believing all the right things. In fact, the older I get, the less sure I am about so many of the things that I was certain of in my younger days. I find myself comfortable sitting with the questions, even when answers are slow in arriving (or if they don’t show at all).
In the end, I would rather be known for how I loved than for what I believed, for how I served rather than for how I led.
For it is not correct beliefs that will change the world and heal our brokenness (at least not on their own). The church has fought the battle over theology for years and continues to do so. And the result is not unity but battle weary “soldiers,” deeply hurt people, and folks who feel that they no longer have a home.
Maybe we ought to try another way.
Peace.