Celebrate the Similarities

In his book The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren states, “When we criticize what another believer is doing in faith and from sincere conviction, we are interfering with God’s business.”

That statement prompted this essay.

Actually, it was more than that one statement. In his comment, Mr. Warren put into words what I’ve felt for years.

I’ve heard professing Christians judge and criticize other believers for so long that at times, I’ve no desire to be around them. If having a haughty, judgmental, critical attitude toward another for their beliefs or ways of worship is mandatory for being a Christian, then I want no part of it.

But that’s not how it’s supposed to be!

In Matthew 12:25, Jesus said, “every Kingdom divided will fall.” 

The apostle Paul said in Romans 14:10, “why then, criticize your brother’s actions and make him look small?” 

In one of her messages, Minister Joyce Meyer said, “hurling words of judgment is equivalent to stoning in biblical days.”

The Bible says that blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is the one sin that will not be forgiven. Now, I believe that if it’s done in ignorance, God will understand and forgive once understanding comes and repentance is articulated. However, if it’s done maliciously, as a way to puff up yourself or put another believer down, I believe it’s blaspheme at its worst. 

Keeping these things in mind, I’ve created my own motto for dealing with critical, judgmental people; “Don’t mock what you don’t understand and Judge not lest ye be judged.”

Who are we to point at another Christian and say what he or she is doing in worship is not of God? Who are we to judge and criticize another for dancing before the Lord, speaking in tongues or saying a rosary?

I don’t remember who it was, but it’s been said that if the Body of Christ would accept our differences and embrace our similarities, there would be no stopping us! Everyone would be amazed at the power the Church would have for reaching the lost, healing the sick and casting out demons. To do this, we must come to realize that no matter what denomination we are, Christianity is based on five core beliefs:

There is One God, who is the Father Almighty. 
Jesus is the Son of God. 
By the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man. 
He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, suffered, died and was buried. 
On the third day, He rose again and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 

Period. 

Now there are other universal truths that bind us together, such as: There is one Name only by which we are saved. We are not saved by works, but by Grace, etc. 

Jesus hates division! Which is why He gave us the “new” commandment to love one another as He has loved us. Love without prejudice, without judgment or criticism.  Judge not and we will not be judged, condemn not and we will not be condemned.

Nor will we be divided.

Faith is a heart issue. How are we going to be one Body if we’re not of one heart? Why do we allow division in our hearts, in our homes and in our churches? Why do we condemn those who worship Him in ways not our own? 

In John 17:21 Jesus prayed for us to the Father saying, “that they all may be one, as You, Father are in Me and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe.”

How is the world going to accept Jesus and accept us as His ambassadors if we can’t even accept each other?

We are called to be peacemakers. So, let us temper our hearts, open our minds and soften our wills toward our brethren. Let us respect our differences but celebrate our similarities. Let’s consider the words of our Lord and realize that no matter how we worship, in the heart of our worship we are one. One Body, one Spirit, one Church. As Jesus prayed we’d be.

Something to think about!
PamT
"Inspirational with an Edge! ™
"Coaching in Pjs" ™

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Original Article © 200p ~ Revised 2026 ~ copyright protected by Pamela S Thibodeaux ~ all rights reserved