The Disjointed Body

The body of Christ seems disjointed, even from the inside. We seem to work against each other because of our doctrinal differences. We are perceived to not be of one mind. 

It is because of this seeming disjointedness that the secular world looks on in judgment. They attempt to disqualify us because we are a separate people, calling others to a separate life. In their conviction, they hate us. 

Because their judgement cannot stand on its own, they attempt to justify their criticism by pointing at our fragmented religion. You've got your Catholics, Evangelicals, Methodists, Anglicans, Presbytarian, etc. and so they look on and say, "See! You can't even keep it together."

Here's what I say.

What is a stranger doing criticizing the disputes I have within my family? If I am in my household, a stranger has no right to involve him or herself into my disputes. 

Get out. 

They neither understand our disputes and will never attempt to because they are operating under a worldview that presupposes Christianity is wrong. Pointing to our internal discussions and disputes only serves as their justification for rejecting the faith. 

They do not understand that the Church is not a building. The Church is not a denominational title. The Church is living and breathing. It is a community of believers corporately connected to Jesus Christ. We are a body with many parts that contain different functions. 

But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. - 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (NIV)

Lets put away that foolishness of the secular world who believe we are disconnected. We are eternally connected to our Savior. Nothing can snatch us from His hands. Our disputes are family disputes and no stranger can enter into that conversation until he has become part of the family.