Did you say, “Huh?” Here’s the translation to the foregoing statement: We have opened our church facilities to three other congregations to use. The task is daunting but so far we have been able to make it work. This arrangement creates an interesting schedule. There is a worship service every night of the week, twice on Saturday and four times on Sunday.

An interesting dynamic has emerged from this situation. We don’t all worship in the same way, our music styles are different and there are some slight differences in Biblical interpretation as to the Sabbath, head coverings, etc. (Especially with the Seventh Day Pentecostal group.)

All of this has inspired me to take a look at the potential for harm that personal prejudice and interpretation can cause.

Here’s the scripture that rocked my thinking:

Mar 6:3 “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.”

The Bible goes on to say that Jesus was unable to do many mighty works among them because of their unbelief.

This created an intriguing thought process in my mind as I considered how often we prohibit the works of God due to our prejudices which foster unbelief. For instance:

• Not giving ear to the Gospel because someone not of our group is preaching it.
• Not respecting the call of God on a person because we don’t respect his family.
• Being unwilling to acknowledge that one of our peers has the anointing of God on his life.

In addition to these three points, add the conflicting views concerning interpretation, licensure, denominational divisions and authority and it is easy to understand the quagmire we Christians slosh around in. There seems to be a thousand different ways we can shoot ourselves in the foot when it comes to opinion and prejudice.

My suspicion is that we Christians have done more to limit the growth of Christianity than the devil has ever been able to do – and we have done it magnificently with prejudice. It seems we learned from those fellows who could not (would not) accept the ministry of Jesus because they just could not believe that He even had a ministry.

I know this is a somber thought and the following question may sting a little but I believe every Christian needs to think about this subject.

Here’s the question: “ What criterion do I use when I decide to disallow, disrespect and/or forbid the ministry of anyone?”

Your answer to that question will determine the level of influence the spirit of prejudice has in your life.

The way I have resolved to deal with this ugly poison is to set aside every reason that does not have a clear Biblical mandate. It is a challenge I intend to win!

I pray the Lord blesses you today.

Warmly, in His love and life,

Roland Scroggins

© 2005