When we spend our time trying to convince others that we are correct, are we not saying that we have the absolute truth? Can any of us make that statement? That we totally understand the scripture and that the truth that we know will not change in understanding.

If you take that position then you’re no better than the vipers of Jesus’ day. They felt that they had absolute understanding, yet Jesus corrected them on numerous occasions. For the sake of argument, can we not claim that we do have an understanding of scripture and that there is an outside chance that as we mature spiritually our understanding will grow (change)? Wouldn’t this be authentic faith? Knowing the way of salvation, which is Jesus Christ, the only constant and is unchanging. Then, while overtime and clinging tightly to this thing called grace, we can openly discover the hidden truth that is within God’s profound Word. Is it not OK to have questions and even doubts, the Apostles did.

Here’s a thought, you can argue that alcohol is bad, unhealthy, addicting and that the bible warns us to be cautious of it because of its effects and that Christians are not to drink, period. On the other hand, I can just as easily agree that you are correct, while allowing the individual to decide (not the corporate) to decide if they should totally avoid alcohol or enjoy a glass with their meal. Is alcohol sin or how we choose to use it? So tell me where the absolute is in this example and who should decide what is binding in this case (non-salvation issue)?

Grace, patients, forgiveness, trust, love and compassion are some of the traits of Christ. The very same traits that were given to all us to live out daily. Where is the absolute in that? Here, are a few examples of absolute. No tattoos, alcohol, piercing, makeup, jewelry, murderers, prostitutes, tax collectors or even flip-flops. Men must wear suits and women dresses and we only worship on a specific day to be acceptable to God. In other words, we must dress as if we’re going to meet the President of the United States.

Folks, news flash here, the President is not my savior nor my father and I doubt the Secret Service would allow me to run up and give him a big O’bear hug. I’m also confident that the President has no interest in receiving one from me either. So yes, I would dress differently for him. But God, my Father, who anxiously welcomes me with open arms to embrace me with love? My Father doesn’t care about the outside; it’s the condition of my heart. Am I exhibiting His love and extending His grace that was given to me feely with others.

We must bind each other only on the specific things of salvation, which is Jesus Christ. Not someone else’s personal preference or conviction, while leaving the rest up to the Holy Spirit (individual convictions). After all, it is Christ’s Church isn’t it?