Every fall, the baseball World Series is played when the champion National League team plays the champion American League team.
Both teams play the same game, but the two leagues have one rule that is different. It is called “the designated hitter rule.” When they play against one another, both teams must obey the same rule. They may not like the rule, but all who play must play by the same rule.
This is easy to understand when it comes to baseball. It is equally plain when we come to driving on the right or left side of the street. We may think it’s not right to drive on the left; but if we are in England, where that is the rule, we must obey it. No one claims that these rules are divine. God is not concerned with baseball rules or highway laws except that we are to obey the laws of the land unless they conflict with the laws of God. For activities to function properly, we simply obey these rules, even if we do not like them.
This principle of playing by the same rules seems so simple, yet when we take it to a higher level and apply it to our working together with our brethren and sisters, it suddenly seems to become very complicated.
We have two versions of a statement of faith that are in use in North America — one contains an amendment which the other does not have. If everyone believed that the amendment was important, there would only be one statement of faith. If everyone believed that the amendment was not important, we would have only one statement of faith. It is this difference in belief that causes us to have two statements and two fellowships. Many in each fellowship feel strongly that their position is the correct one. They are content with the status quo.
Both versions of the statement of faith are man made. No one claims divine authorship for either one. Yet it is believed that a statement of faith is necessary to clarify what is held to be Bible truths. No one would suggest that we abandon having a statement of faith. Those who believe the amendment is a first principle belong in the fellowship it represents. Those who do not believe in the amendment also belong together.
Over the years, a great many have moved from one fellowship to the other simply by endorsing the other statement of faith. Each fellowship has always welcomed members of the other fellowship who have asked to unite with them. It does not require any committee to negotiate such a change. It only requires the person to subscribe to the respective statement of faith and they are united with the fellowship.
So many desperately long for union with those of like mind. We all desire to comply with Paul’s admonition when he said, “I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you.” Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” We need to examine our efforts to be sure that we are making peace and not “sowing discord among brethren.” We can invite, but we must not try to force others to accept a position that they do not believe is true, and we should only fellowship those united in the same position.
“Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth” (Psa. 60:4).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One