The True Business of the Church

Religious institutions spend a lot of time arguing and quarreling internally and externally.  We argue among the people in our own religion about what belief and practice is right and wrong, true and false.  We argue with other religions and perspectives, trying to convince others that we are right and they are wrong.  We spend so much time doing this that this very process of arguing and quarreling has become identified with the task of religion itself.

Christians have quarreled and argued with each other since the very beginning.  Paul addresses this problem in his first epistle to the Corinthians.  Paul says that quarreling and arguing over belief and practice impedes the Church's true business and agenda, which is to seek after the mind and purpose of Christ, and to live according to the example of Christ.

There were quarrels and arguments in Jesus' own culture.  Jesus did not enter into these quarrels and take sides.  Jesus instead simply proclaimed to everyone that the Kingdom of God had come near to them and that God sought their redemption and reconciliation.  If we are to live our lives after the example of Christ, we will spend our time spreading God's light.  This is what will make the world into the place that God wants it to be.