Every time I return to the United States, I'm confronted with a troubling issue that never fails to stir my heart. I find myself amidst Christians who seem caught in a whirlwind of trivial disputes and distractions. Whether it's heated debates over the church's interior design, arguments about social issues, or disputes over minor doctrinal details such as dress, food, worship, and even pastors' salaries—these concerns divert their attention away from Christ and hurt our ability to focus on what truly matters.
Why do American Christians seem so fixated on insignificant issues? Why do they get their priorities so wrong? Reflecting on these experiences, I can't help but bring this to our attention—we have lost sight of what truly matters. We in America allow trivial matters to distract us from Christ and what's on His heart.
What deeply saddens me is the way these Christians often try to pull me into their futile debates. I've lost count of how many times I've been approached with the expectation that I'll weigh in on their disagreements, with comments like, "Oh, Missionary Lawrence will know what the Bible says." It's as if they see my calling of God as an opportunity to validate their arguments, rather than seeking genuine understanding or growth. They forget that my true purpose, and indeed the purpose of all followers of Christ, is to be His dedicated servants, committed to serving others. We must remind ourselves that Christ has called us to serve and uplift people rather than getting entangled in trivial disputes.
In these moments, I find myself retreating, stepping away rather than engaging in conversations that seem more about winning arguments than seeking truth. When they reach out to me directly or drag me into social media spats, I opt for silence. My hope is that by not participating, I can avoid fueling these distractions and instead focus on what truly matters.
Our focus should be on Jesus Christ—His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection for the sins of mankind. It is Christ who is our faith and hope, not the outcome of petty disputes. This is why I am deeply concerned about the lack of focus in American churches that feel compelled to speak out. The urgency of Christianity is immense: people are heading toward a devil's hell! And that devil successfully is distracting us with petty disputes and minor controversies, causing us to lose sight of our purpose—to serve and reach others who are perishing. Our efforts should be directed toward sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and faithfully studying the Word to understand God's heart better rather than squandering our energy on arguments that won't matter ten or one million years from now.
I consider myself incredibly blessed to serve and minister in developing nations, where the stark realities of life offer a clearer perspective on what truly matters. For many of the people I meet, their financial hardships make trivial arguments and disputes inconceivable. Their daily struggles are far removed from debates over church décor or minor doctrinal differences. Instead, their concern is on the pressing needs of today. If they have spiritual beliefs, their concern might be with misunderstandings about who God is. For this reason, I am compelled to emphasize what is truly important: directing our efforts toward addressing the real needs of others and helping them come to know and walk with Christ Jesus.
So, to my fellow Christians in America, I urge you to guard your minds from disputes and distractions that lack eternal value. Your life is fleeting—a mere vapor that will soon vanish. If you allow yourselves to be consumed by temporary issues, you will miss out on your eternal inheritance. You will approach Heaven's gates without rewards. Yes, salvation is secured through the blood of Jesus Christ, but consider this: what rewards of gratitude will you give Christ for His sacrifice? Will you have crowns to lay at His feet and rewards that reflect your gratitude for His work?
I don't know about you, but I am profoundly grateful for the redemption and salvation Christ has given me. This gratitude drives me to live a life dedicated to Him. I am driven by gratitude to love Christ more, serve Him faithfully and help others find the greatest love of my life—Jesus Christ.
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Why do American Christians seem so fixated on insignificant issues? Why do they get their priorities so wrong? Reflecting on these experiences, I can't help but bring this to our attention—we have lost sight of what truly matters. We in America allow trivial matters to distract us from Christ and what's on His heart.
What deeply saddens me is the way these Christians often try to pull me into their futile debates. I've lost count of how many times I've been approached with the expectation that I'll weigh in on their disagreements, with comments like, "Oh, Missionary Lawrence will know what the Bible says." It's as if they see my calling of God as an opportunity to validate their arguments, rather than seeking genuine understanding or growth. They forget that my true purpose, and indeed the purpose of all followers of Christ, is to be His dedicated servants, committed to serving others. We must remind ourselves that Christ has called us to serve and uplift people rather than getting entangled in trivial disputes.
In these moments, I find myself retreating, stepping away rather than engaging in conversations that seem more about winning arguments than seeking truth. When they reach out to me directly or drag me into social media spats, I opt for silence. My hope is that by not participating, I can avoid fueling these distractions and instead focus on what truly matters.
Our focus should be on Jesus Christ—His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection for the sins of mankind. It is Christ who is our faith and hope, not the outcome of petty disputes. This is why I am deeply concerned about the lack of focus in American churches that feel compelled to speak out. The urgency of Christianity is immense: people are heading toward a devil's hell! And that devil successfully is distracting us with petty disputes and minor controversies, causing us to lose sight of our purpose—to serve and reach others who are perishing. Our efforts should be directed toward sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and faithfully studying the Word to understand God's heart better rather than squandering our energy on arguments that won't matter ten or one million years from now.
I consider myself incredibly blessed to serve and minister in developing nations, where the stark realities of life offer a clearer perspective on what truly matters. For many of the people I meet, their financial hardships make trivial arguments and disputes inconceivable. Their daily struggles are far removed from debates over church décor or minor doctrinal differences. Instead, their concern is on the pressing needs of today. If they have spiritual beliefs, their concern might be with misunderstandings about who God is. For this reason, I am compelled to emphasize what is truly important: directing our efforts toward addressing the real needs of others and helping them come to know and walk with Christ Jesus.
So, to my fellow Christians in America, I urge you to guard your minds from disputes and distractions that lack eternal value. Your life is fleeting—a mere vapor that will soon vanish. If you allow yourselves to be consumed by temporary issues, you will miss out on your eternal inheritance. You will approach Heaven's gates without rewards. Yes, salvation is secured through the blood of Jesus Christ, but consider this: what rewards of gratitude will you give Christ for His sacrifice? Will you have crowns to lay at His feet and rewards that reflect your gratitude for His work?
I don't know about you, but I am profoundly grateful for the redemption and salvation Christ has given me. This gratitude drives me to live a life dedicated to Him. I am driven by gratitude to love Christ more, serve Him faithfully and help others find the greatest love of my life—Jesus Christ.
RETURN TO ALL BLOGS
