When I turn on my TV to watch the evening news, its hard not to notice how divided this country is. The political left is becoming more radically left and the right is also more right. Its no wonder they can't agree on anything. Whatever happened to the spirit of compromise "for the good of the country"?
But its not just in politics, its in our everyday life as well. American's have forgotten John F. Kennedy's most famous statement...
Therefore, it should come as no surprise to see churches reflect this "me first" attitude as well. Over time, this way of thinking results in false doctrine and all sorts of departures from the original church of the first century.
But, there is a cure for this ill; look to the Bible for the answer...
Ephesians, Chapter 4 (WEB)
11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; 15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; (emphasis added 13-15) 16 from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.
America, let's work together for the betterment of the country and not just our own interests. As for the church, look to the standard above and grow up in Christ.