Devotion 

False Teaching

Frances Taylor 

Unfortunately, Christianity is fractured today. It does not have the oneness that Jesus called for at the Last Supper. However, I don't believe that the leaders who are responsible for the different branches of Christianity did it for unholy reasons. But we have all seen those who misuse Scripture and quote it to support their own agenda. There have been those who abused their influence for money or fame and who promote division instead of unity. Today, there are ecumenical groups in practically every city or town that plan combined services both religious and those that promote social justice. It is not in God's plan that we continue to fight over which is the "right" or "only" way to God. It is in God's plan that we work together to find common ground. Unity does not mean uniformity. If we look around the world, all Christian denominations celebrate their faith in different ways. I have been to Lutheran services in the U.S. and also in Tanzania and the two couldn't be further apart! But the two services were aimed at praising God. Paul was warning against the misuse of religion, in this letter to Timothy. He reminds us in his letter to the Ephesians that there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all. It would be helpful if all the baptized respected the one faith that we share and work together to ensure that those who proclaim the Gospel do so faithfully.

Prayer 

Lord, you are one and your word is both spirit and truth. Help all who proclaim your word to do so faithfully, working to ensure that all hear the message of salvation. Amen.