In the rich tapestry of Christian faith, we find a beautiful diversity of believers united by their love for Christ, yet often diverging in their prioritized values. This variation is not a flaw but a reflection of the complex interplay between our individual natures and the environments that shape us.
Scripture itself provides numerous examples of faithful followers whose values and perspectives differed. Consider Peter and Paul, both apostles devoted to spreading the Gospel, yet with significantly different approaches. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes, "On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised" (Galatians 2:7-8). This division of focus – Peter to the Jews and Paul to the Gentiles – highlights how even foundational leaders can have different priorities within the same faith.
The story of Mary and Martha in Luke's Gospel further illustrates this point. Both sisters loved Jesus, but expressed it differently. As Luke recounts, "But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her'" (Luke 10:40-42). Martha valued service and hospitality, while Mary prioritized sitting at Jesus' feet and listening. Jesus gently corrected Martha, not for her service, but for judging her sister's different expression of devotion.
In the Book of Acts, we encounter Apollos, an eloquent speaker who taught about Jesus accurately but incompletely. Luke tells us, "He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately" (Acts 18:26). Instead of rebuking him, Priscilla and Aquila quietly took him aside to deepen his understanding. This shows how believers can have different levels of knowledge yet still be valuable to the Kingdom.
The early church itself grappled with how to integrate believers from different backgrounds. In Acts 15, we see some arguing for strict adherence to Jewish law, while others, like Paul, advocated for freedom from these requirements. This debate showcases how cultural backgrounds can shape our understanding of faith practices.
Our diverse values often stem from our unique experiences and personalities. Paul acknowledges this diversity of gifts in his letter to the Romans: "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully" (Romans 12:6-8). These innate tendencies can shape what we value most in our faith expression.
Moreover, our upbringing, culture, and life experiences profoundly impact our worldview. Paul recognizes this when he writes to the Corinthians, "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law" (1 Corinthians 9:20). This adaptability demonstrates Paul's understanding of how background influences faith expression.
It's crucial to recognize that while the core tenets of Christianity provide a strong foundation, many aspects of doctrine and practice are less absolute than we might assume. The Apostle Paul himself acknowledges the limitations of our understanding when he writes, "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" (1 Corinthians 13:12). This humility reminds us that much of what we consider doctrine rests on culturally contextualized interpretations and translations. The Bible, inspired by God, has nonetheless been transmitted through human languages and cultures, each leaving its imprint on our understanding. Consider how concepts like church leadership structures, worship styles, or even the application of certain moral teachings can vary widely between different Christian traditions, often reflecting the cultural and historical contexts in which these interpretations developed. This reality calls us to approach our faith with both conviction and humility, recognizing that our perspective, while valuable, may not be the only valid interpretation within the broader Christian tradition.
The beauty of Christ's body lies in its diversity. Paul paints a vivid picture of this in his letter to the Ephesians: "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:16). Our different prioritized values, when submitted to Christ and held together in tension, can actually strengthen the church rather than divide it.
As we navigate these differences, Paul's words to the Romans provide crucial guidance: "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister" (Romans 14:13). He urges believers not to judge one another over disputable matters, recognizing that we all stand before God's judgment. Instead, he encourages us to pursue peace and mutual edification.
In embracing this diversity, we reflect the multifaceted wisdom of God and grow in our understanding of His expansive love.
Interested in understand how your values differ from others? Use this value card sort exercise?
Heavenly Father,
Open my heart to the beautiful diversity within Your body. Help me to see the value in perspectives different from my own, recognizing that You work through a variety of experiences and expressions. Give me the humility to learn from those whose faith journey looks different from mine. Where I am tempted to judge, teach me to extend grace. Let my love for my brothers and sisters in Christ grow deeper than our differences, that together we might more fully reflect Your glory.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
