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Experts say 41,000 different church organizations exist worldwide. Even though geography, culture, and key doctrinal differences are the main reasons so many groups exist, a lot of it can be traced to pride and the quest for power. From the very beginning of the church, leaders had to cope with divisions among God’s people. The Apostle Paul dealt with this within the church at Rome. In Romans Chapter 14, he urged, “Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help they will stand and receive his approval.” Of course, key biblical truths must not be compromised. But still, it’s sad when some people abandon church attendance because they see needless conflicts among God’s people. God wants His people to live in harmony.
