On the one hand, we are called to unity – to have the same mind about things. Paul urged us to be transformed by renewing our minds. Therefore, we ought to all be in perfect agreement on doctrine and practice in the Church – right? We are anything but that! To make matters worse, the Gospel has moved us away from the Law – a unified code that describes exactly how we are to practice our faith. Now, there is much greater liberty and freedom to follow God as we feel led and directed by Him. So, what do we do when others do when there is no clear agreement about the right way to do the Christian life? Paul says that we must live together in unity and fellowship, even if we do not agree on practice. Each one is to live by their own genuine and well thought out convictions, knowing they serve God and answer to Him alone. At the same time, we are not to judge others who arrive at different conclusions and live out their faith differently – even if it seems “wrong” to us.
