John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”

Luke 9:49-50

Over the weekend, Patrina received a text from a friend who wanted my feedback on a particular doctrine that is a core belief of the leadership at the church their family attends. It was a serious question, but not one that threatened the common belief in the Gospel.

We live in a world where there appear to be great differences between denominations and individual churches, but in spite of our differences, we have so much in common. While I can’t be sure, it seems to me this is the kind of situation Jesus is addressing in the verses above.

In Mark’s Gospel he provides a little more insight –

But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.”

Mark 9-39-41

The church leadership has a duty to remain faithful to God’s word and address heresy, but we should not be so anxious to condemn everyone who is outside of our particular camp. What do you think?