Contentious Groups … the place of vendetta …

The seminal issue in the Southern Baptist Convention move to withdraw from the Baptist World Alliance was the vote by the BWA to include the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in their fraternal organization. The issue is number three on those outlined in the report of the “study committee.” And, it is said that this issue was simply the last drop of rain and so not the primary cause for action – some of us might better understand, “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

In the book of Acts, there was a meeting held in which there was great uproar over the fledgling followers of Christ. One wise religious leader replied,

“For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But, if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:39)

Our feelings tend to get in the way of better judgment. We dislike the way we have been treated or the way people have talked about us. Our feelings may even get in the way of our message. We make “vindictive” decisions so we might discredit those with whom we disagree. Easeir to label the “CBF” as liberal than to turn the cheek and demonstrate graciousness in the midst of disagreement. But, a “if they are in, we are out” mentality, there is little room for reconcilation, were that desired.

I do not belong to the CBF. I am not an apologist for the CBF. I simply intend to suggest there are better ways to handle these kinds of circumstances that do not require a fracture with other groups because we have worn our feelings on our sleeves – kept a log of their wrongs. Seems like Paul describes a love among God’s people that does not keep a record of wrongs.

Be careful, or you will make the list.

I will need to help my children, young people and church understand why we expend so much energy seeking ways to keep the CBF from being viable and gaining credibility. We have done what we have done. Let it stand at that! I certainly do not want those in my care nor under my watch to keep logs of wrong and keep them from experiencing the refreshing, freeing, forgiving love of God in Christ Jesus because I have a vendetta …

About the Author
Husband to Patty. Daddy to Kimberly and Tommie. Grandpa Doc to Cohen, Max, Fox, and Marlee. Pastor to Snow Hill Baptist Church. Graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Reading. Photography. Golf. Colorado. Jeeping. Friend. The views and opinions expressed here are my own and should not be construed as representing the corporate views of the church I pastor.

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