Taking Seriously Those Who Disagree

Abraham Piper writes a great message that I often need to preach to myself.

The key section for me is:

"Paying attention to those who disagree with us and taking them seriously, even if we're pretty sure we'll still disagree, is part of what it means to be in the body of Christ. It's humbling; it sanctifies. It will make us better husbands and wives. It will make us better Christians, and maybe even better Calvinists."

While I too need to heed this advice in regards to my theological convictions, I need to heed it in all areas of my life as well. Too often I am too quick to justify my own actions without even fully listening to the criticism. I must come to realize that my justification is not of my own doing - it is a completed work of the Cross. Christ -who knows my deepest sins, secrets and failings - willingly chose to become a sacrifice for those things. No critique, whether it be valid or not, constructive or not, can lessen my ultimate justification.

This does not give me license to then to do as I please and to ignore the counsel of fellow Christians. Where my sin against Christ, the church, or others is pointed out I must own it, confess it, and repent of it. Where my words and actions are a reasonable response to the sins of others I must understand that in the Crucifixion of Christ I receive the blood of vengeance I desire.

I realize these words are far easier to write than to live. I thank God for the gift of the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit which empowers and equips me more and more each day as I yield myself to the Lordship of Christ.

Be sure to read Abraham's full post here.