We can't get there from here

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. (Romans 14:1 NLT)

We spend far too much time judging others for what they do or don't do, forgetting that we do some of the same stuff, or at least we did it at some point before we invited Jesus into our lives. The old adage, "It takes one to know one," isn't all that far from the mark. We notice the things in others that we either struggle with presently or have had a history with at some point. That doesn't mean we can judge them for their behavior, though. If we judge others, we can count that we will be judged by the same standard. So, do we really want to find ourselves in that same pickle?

Arguing about what is right or wrong isn't going to bring us together - it will drive a wedge between us. In fact, that is why there are so many break-off denominations and churches these days! We have become so critical of the style of worship, the way people dress, the way a preacher teaches - missing the point that Jesus told us to be united in our faith, encouraging one another onto perfection until the day he returns for his church. Yes, there are absolutes in our faith. The commandments of God are unalterable. The truth of his word is unbending and not open for 'interpretation' any old way we want to see it. There are just some things that Jesus doesn't want us arguing over, though.

The style of worship is a good example of how silly our 'arguments' can be at times. Raised hands or not; upbeat or solemn; hand clapping or no movement at all - all this really isn't something to find fault with. God tells us to make a joyful noise (Psalm 100). Come together, let your heart flow into worship, and don't be concerned with what another is doing in their worship. Build one another up, bring another into his presence with you, and just enjoy being with Jesus. 

There will be some who are weak in their faith and others who are stronger in theirs. Don't look down on those who are weak, and don't envy those who are stronger. The more we focus on what we have or don't have, the more we will drift into comparisons in a way that makes us stumble. God's plan was always to have a united body of believers, living in harmony with one another, learning the truths from his Word, and becoming more and more like him as we do. We won't get there with all this division. Just sayin!