The music is too loud.

The music isn’t loud enough.

That’s not the way we’ve always done it.

We need to try something new.

I can’t stand it. I won’t stand it. It’s not for me. I won’t support it.

The joys of church conflict. Is it any wonder people walk out the back door of the church every Sunday never to return because of bickering – whether they’re the ones creating the arguments or simply listening to others?

There are some valid arguments within the church. When there’s an issue between what’s biblical and what’s not, it’s not only okay to discuss it, it’s essential. But let’s be honest. Most the arguments we have are more about what we want and like instead of the truth of God’s Word.

It’s okay to have different opinions. We have different interests. We prefer different experiences. We learn in different ways. We have different personalities. We’re going to disagree. But having differing opinions doesn’t presume one is right and one is wrong. God created us with variety. We are his body. We function well together because of our differences. Sadly, we often become consumed with our differences, seeing no way of finding common ground. We cease to work together. We separate from each other.

Again, let me emphasize I’m not referring to God’s truth. God is God, and he doesn’t change. His Word doesn’t change. His truth doesn’t change – no matter what our opinions or preferences are. However, there is a lot of liberty within his truth. God gives us space, because he gives us choice. Sometimes – often times – our choices get us in trouble.

The goal isn’t to always agree. Let’s respect the variety in which God created us, remembering each of us is created in his image. When you don’t like the same worship music I like, it doesn’t mean my opinion isn’t of some value. It doesn’t mean I’m wrong. It doesn’t mean you should put me down. When you resist change, it doesn’t mean your opinion isn’t of some value. It doesn’t mean you’re wrong. It doesn’t mean I should put you down. I can respect you. You can respect me. We can actually support one another despite our differences because we expect the differences and aren’t offended by them.

Being a part of God’s body isn’t about justifying our own role and negating anyone else’s. It certainly doesn’t mean amputating any part of the body. The Church is bigger than you and it’s bigger than me. It’s bigger than the home church you’re committed to and the childhood church you rejected. It’s bigger than all of the churches in your entire community. The body of Christ isn’t just about you and the people you gather with on a weekly basis. What your church is called to do, another church is not. Another church’s mission isn’t yours. Whether we work together or not, God is working us all together. God weaves us together even though we’re often determined to make a tangled mess of things.

What’s going on in your spiritual life right now that is creating chaos – either internally or relationally?

What’s going on in your faith family’s life right now that is creating chaos? How will you respond in a way that reflects God’s will?

You can’t choose for others, but you can certainly make the next choice to honor God and grow closer to him. In the process, even when it’s not easy, you’ll encourage others to honor God, too.

Each one of us has a body with many parts, and these parts all have different uses. In the same way, we are many, but in Christ we are all one body. Each one is a part of that body, and each part belongs to all the other parts. (Romans 12:4-5)