COMMENTARY

Don Atkin

SUSTAINING LEGITIMACY

It seems to me that there is a tendency to de-legitimize what others are doing in order to provide an adequate apologetic for what we are doing. We can "over-sell" our approach to ministry, doctrinal stance, etc., at the expense of others’ approach to ministry, doctrinal stance, etc.

Yet, the Scripture clearly states that "we know in part and prophesy in part."

I’m rather certain that most people do not intend to do this, but end up doing so because of their enthusiasm for their own particular "revelation" or direction.

Perhaps this can be a word of caution to us that we should be careful to not do this. We can examine how we present the case for our ministry to make certain that we are not de-legitimizing others and what they are doing.

Another issue is allowing our new "revelation" to de-legitimize everything that we have believed or practiced in the past. It is proper to evaluate our belief system and life’s practices on a regular basis under the searchlight of what is being revealed to us. However, we should take care not to "throw the baby out with the bath water."

Precept is added to precept, line upon line. Often, this requires adjustments upon our part. Let’s take the time to examine our "package" in the light of each new revelation, making every effort to add rather than to replace.

Sometimes replacement is the only option. May we have the commitment and courage to do what needs to be done in order to keep us on the higher road to perfection in Christ.

The newer movements need to understand that de-legitimizing others is rooted in a spirit of denominationalism. We must be endeavor to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one body.