“But now let’s pause and consider the implications of what Jesus says here for our own day and age, our own interaction with other Christians – particularly those with whom we’re not in fellowship. Other groups, other ministries, other churches, other believers who you may interact with but aren’t closely connected with.
Some say that it’s wrong that we have different churches and different denominations – that all Christians should just unite and agree. It gets said from time to time, because it’s easy to say.
But notice what Jesus did and didn’t command here: He said that they should not make themselves enemies of this man. Don’t try to stop him. But Jesus did not say, “Go join him.” He didn’t say, “Have him come join us.” He didn’t say they needed to get together and make an exorcism program.
As Christians, we are to be welcoming to one another, kind to one another, not combatants against one another – as far as in the church universal. But there is a difference between an ally and a partner. We can be allies with brothers and sisters who do things differently or have differences of opinion on non-essential issues. But that doesn’t mean we’re failing if we don’t partner together.”
