Are We Missing the Mission? Arguing Over Secondary Issues While Neglecting the Good News

March 1, 2025

False Prophets That Twist the Bible and the Teachings of Jesus
December 21, 2024

Christians are often passionate about their faith, but that passion can sometimes spill over into debates that distract us from our true mission: sharing the Gospel. While theological differences, personal convictions, and even political opinions can be important, how much time should we spend arguing about them? Are these debates a distraction from spreading the love and truth of Jesus Christ to a lost and hurting world? Moreover, it’s disheartening to recognize that the only people who seem to gain joy from seeing Christians fight are atheists, who may use these divisions to undermine the faith.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the topics Christians argue about, whether they are worth dividing over, and how we can refocus on what truly matters: the Great Commission.

The Root of the Problem: Prioritizing Debate Over the Gospel

The core issue lies in the fact that some Christians have made it their platform to argue amongst themselves, mistakenly believing that these disputes hold the same level of importance as spreading the Gospel. This misguided prioritization not only diverts attention from our primary mission but also fosters an environment of division and strife within the body of Christ.

When debates over secondary issues become the focal point of a church or Christian community, several negative consequences arise:

Erosion of Unity: Constant arguing can fracture relationships and create factions within the church, weakening the collective witness of the community.
Diminished Witness: Non-believers observing these internal conflicts may perceive Christianity as a religion of discord rather than one of love and unity, making them less inclined to explore the faith.
Spiritual Burnout: Focusing excessively on debates can lead to spiritual exhaustion, reducing the overall effectiveness of ministry and outreach efforts.
Misplaced Priorities: Allocating significant time and resources to non-essential issues detracts from activities that directly contribute to evangelism and discipleship.

Debating the Non-Essentials

Here are a few examples of topics that often spark debate among Christians:

Tithing: Is giving 10% a requirement or a principle?
Worship Styles: Hymns or contemporary music?
Government, Laws, and Politics: Should Christians prioritize certain political parties or policies?
Bible Translations: Is the KJV the only “true” version?
The Timing of the Rapture: Pre-, mid-, or post-tribulation?
Dress Codes in Church: Formal or casual attire?

These issues, while important for church life and personal convictions, are not directly tied to salvation. They don’t change the core of the Gospel: that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, offering eternal life to all who believe (John 3:16).

Calling Out Fake Prophets and Misguided Leaders

In the midst of these debates, it’s crucial to discern genuine leadership from false prophets who may not align with biblical truth. While it’s true that there are false prophets out there, it’s also unfortunate to see pastors being labeled as fake for reasons that don’t necessarily reflect their faithfulness to Scripture. Common accusations include:

Tithing Practices: Being criticized for believing in tithes because some congregations prioritize finances over ministry.
Worship Day Observance: Being mocked for worshiping on Sundays instead of Saturday, or vice versa.
Addressing Social Issues: Accusations when pastors choose to address or avoid social topics.
Money Focus: Criticism for perceived greed or financial mismanagement.
Apologetics Training: Being called out for not equipping congregants with proper apologetic training.
Focus on Hell: Being reproached for either talking about hell too much or not enough.

However, this does not mean slandering a pastor or a church online, especially when there are people getting saved at that church. It’s essential to approach such situations with discernment, ensuring that leadership remains anchored in the truth of the Gospel rather than secondary disputes. Slander and unjust accusations can harm the very mission we aim to uphold and can deter others from seeking faith.

Addressing Harmful False Prophets

They are false prophets who have agendas that don’t align with the teachings of Christ. They twist the Bible to serve an agenda that sometimes seeps in hatred and sin. These false prophets come in various forms, including the love of money, racism, hate, and identity politics that don’t align with who God is.

Example of Identity Politics: Misrepresentation of God’s Love

One significant example of identity politics within Christianity is the introduction of LGBT identities into some churches. Leaders who advocate for or support LGBT lifestyles may misrepresent God’s love and the acceptance of sin, shifting the focus from the transformative power of the Gospel to accommodating societal trends. This misrepresentation can lead to:

Confusion About Core Beliefs: Congregants may become uncertain about the church’s stance on fundamental Christian doctrines.
Division Within the Congregation: Differing opinions on LGBT issues can create factions, weakening the church’s unified testimony.
Perception of Compromise: Outsiders may perceive the church as compromising its beliefs to align with broader societal trends, potentially undermining its credibility.

Example of Racism in Christianity: The Black Israelites

A notable example of identity politics within Christianity is the movement of the Black Israelites. This group emphasizes racial identity as a primary aspect of their faith, often diverging from mainstream Christian teachings. While they identify as Israelites and emphasize a distinct racial heritage, their focus on race can overshadow the universal message of the Gospel. This emphasis can lead to:

Theological Divergence: Prioritizing racial identity may result in teachings that deviate from traditional Christian doctrines, potentially jeopardizing the core message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Community Fragmentation: By emphasizing racial distinctions, these groups can create divisions both within the church and in the broader Christian community, hindering unity and collective witness.
Misrepresentation of the Gospel: The universal nature of the Gospel, which transcends racial and cultural boundaries, can be overshadowed by a narrow focus on racial identity.

This is wrong because it jeopardizes people’s salvation and presents a version of God or Jesus that is inconsistent with the biblical teachings. The Gospel is meant to be universal, offering salvation to all regardless of race, gender, or social status.

It’s important to approach these sensitive topics with both compassion and adherence to biblical teachings, striving to maintain unity without compromising the Gospel.

Handling False Teachers

To effectively handle false teachers within the church, believers must follow biblical principles that promote discernment, accountability, and unity. Here are key steps based on Scripture:

Test Their Teachings
1 John 4:1: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Believers are instructed to critically evaluate teachings and discern whether they align with God’s Word. This involves studying the Scriptures diligently and comparing any new teachings against the biblical canon.
Beware of Their Influence
Matthew 7:15-16: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.”
Jesus warns about false prophets who disguise themselves but can be recognized by their actions and outcomes. Observing the “fruits” or results of a teacher’s ministry can help identify their true intentions.
Avoid Them
Romans 16:17-18: “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.”
Believers are advised to distance themselves from those who promote teachings contrary to sound doctrine. This helps prevent the spread of false teachings and maintains the purity of the church.
Do Not Fear Them
Deuteronomy 18:22: “When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.”
The Bible provides a clear way to identify false prophets: if their prophecies do not come true, they are not from God. Believers should remain steadfast in faith and not be intimidated by false teachings.
Rebuke Them
Titus 1:10-11: “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.”
False prophets should be confronted and their harmful influence stopped. Rebuke should be done respectfully and biblically, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation.
Stay Grounded in Scripture
Acts 17:11: “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
Believers are encouraged to diligently study the Scriptures to discern truth from falsehood. Regular Bible study equips Christians to recognize and reject false teachings.
God Will Judge Them
Jeremiah 23:16-17: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.’”
God makes it clear that He will hold false prophets accountable for misleading others. Trusting in God’s ultimate judgment allows believers to focus on maintaining integrity within the church.

Practical Steps for Believers:

Stay Vigilant and Prayerful: Continuously seek God’s guidance through prayer to remain alert against deceptive teachings.
Ground Yourself in God’s Word: Regularly study the Bible to build a strong foundation for discernment.
Avoid and Rebuke False Prophets Respectfully but Firmly: Distance yourself from harmful teachings and confront false teachers with love and truth.
Seek Guidance from Spiritually Mature Leaders: If unsure about a teaching, consult with trusted and knowledgeable church leaders for clarity.

Balancing Unity with Accountability: Paul’s Guidance

While it’s crucial to avoid getting entangled in secondary debates, the Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of holding fellow Christians accountable when it comes to core doctrines and behaviors that can lead others astray. Paul’s approach strikes a balance between fostering unity and ensuring doctrinal purity:

Confronting Sin: In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses a situation where a member of the church was engaging in blatant sin. He instructs the church to take disciplinary action to maintain the integrity of the community. “Remove the wicked person from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:13, NIV)
Correcting False Teachings: In Galatians 2:11-14, Paul recounts confronting Peter for withdrawing from eating with Gentiles out of fear of criticism, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in the truth of the Gospel. “But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.” (Galatians 2:11, NIV)
Encouraging Sound Doctrine: Paul frequently urges believers to adhere to sound teaching and to reject teachings that distort the Gospel, as seen in Titus 1:9. “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:9, NIV)

These examples illustrate that while unity is vital, it should not come at the expense of truth. Christians are called to lovingly and respectfully challenge one another to uphold the Gospel, ensuring that the mission remains focused and effective. However, this accountability should never devolve into slander or unnecessary conflict, especially in public forums like online platforms.

The Power of Prayer and Avoiding Gossip

In the midst of internal conflicts and debates, it’s essential to remember the transformative power of prayer. Instead of engaging in disputes or sharing personal opinions about churches and leaders, Christians are called to seek God’s guidance and intercede for one another.

Prioritizing Prayer Over Opinion Sharing

Seeking God’s Wisdom: Prayer allows believers to seek divine wisdom and understanding, helping to navigate disagreements with grace and humility.
Fostering Unity Through Prayer: Praying together and for one another can strengthen the bonds within the church, promoting unity and mutual support.
Avoiding Division: By focusing on prayer, Christians can resist the urge to engage in divisive arguments, instead channeling their energy into building up the body of Christ.

Understanding the Harm of Gossip

Commenting on and talking about churches and leaders that you don’t know well is another form of gossip, which is discouraged in Scripture. Gossip can lead to:

Damage to Reputations: Unfounded or malicious comments can harm the reputations of pastors and churches, undermining their ministry and credibility.
Erosion of Trust: When gossip spreads, it erodes trust within the community, making it difficult to maintain healthy and supportive relationships.
Distraction from the Mission: Time and energy spent gossiping take away from activities that contribute directly to evangelism and discipleship.

Biblical Guidance Against Gossip

Proverbs 16:28 (NIV): “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV): “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

By avoiding gossip and focusing on prayer, Christians can maintain a positive and supportive environment that honors God and furthers the mission of the church.

Government, Laws, and Politics: A Special Case

One area where Christians often get sidetracked is in debates about government and politics. While it’s essential to care about justice and advocate for godly principles, political arguments can easily consume our focus and create division.

Romans 13:1 (NIV): “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”
Matthew 22:21 (NIV): “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

These verses remind us to respect governing authorities while keeping our ultimate allegiance to God. However, when political debates take precedence over love, grace, and the Gospel, we risk alienating people who need Christ. Politics should not overshadow our mission to make disciples.

Are These Arguments a Distraction?

Paul warns us against getting entangled in arguments that don’t build up the body of Christ or advance the Gospel:

2 Timothy 2:23-24 (NIV): “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”

When we argue endlessly over secondary issues, we risk:

Damaging Our Witness: Non-believers may see Christians as divided and argumentative, which can deter them from exploring faith.
Distracting from the Mission: Every minute spent debating non-essentials is a minute not spent sharing the Gospel or serving others.
Creating Division: Unnecessary arguments can fracture the church and harm relationships within the body of Christ.

Additionally, atheists and other non-believers may exploit these divisions, finding joy in the discord to weaken the Christian testimony in society.

While it’s natural to have differing interpretations and preferences, we must ask: Are these debates helping us fulfill the Great Commission?

Our True Goal: Sharing the Love of Christ

Jesus gave us a clear mission:

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV): “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Our mission isn’t to win arguments about worship styles, politics, or dress codes. It’s to share the love of Christ, demonstrate His grace, and invite others into a relationship with Him. This requires humility, focus, and a willingness to let go of prideful debates.

Refocusing on Unity and the Gospel

Here are some practical steps to ensure we stay mission-focused:

Prioritize the Essentials: Focus on the foundational truths of the Gospel—God’s love, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the promise of eternal life for all who believe.
Respect Differences: Recognize that others may have different interpretations, political views, or preferences. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity.
Avoid Quarrels: Choose not to engage in endless debates over non-salvific matters. Instead, redirect conversations to what truly matters.
Love and Serve Others: Show the love of Christ through your actions. Non-believers are more likely to be drawn to Jesus through kindness and service than through theological or political debates.
Keep the Goal in Mind: Always ask, “Is this helping to spread the Gospel?”

Embracing Humility and Accountability

Maintaining unity doesn’t mean avoiding all forms of confrontation. As Paul demonstrated, there are times when Christians must challenge one another to uphold the truth and integrity of the faith. Here’s how to balance humility with accountability:

Practice Active Listening: Truly listen to others’ perspectives without immediately jumping to counterarguments. Understand their viewpoint before responding.
Seek Common Ground: Identify and focus on shared beliefs and goals rather than differences.
Encourage Collaboration: Work together on mission-focused projects that highlight the collective strength of the community.
Promote Reconciliation: Address conflicts promptly and seek reconciliation to restore unity within the church.
Uphold Truth with Love: When confronting errors or sin, do so with a spirit of love and restoration, aiming to build up rather than tear down.

Importantly, accountability should never become a tool for slander or unjust criticism. When addressing issues within the church, do so privately and with the intention of restoration, ensuring that the overall mission remains unhindered.

Remembering the Mission

Paul reminded the early church to avoid distractions and focus on their purpose:

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NIV): “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

Paul’s focus wasn’t on winning arguments but on winning souls for Christ. He adapted to his audience, not compromising the Gospel, but prioritizing relationships and opportunities to share the Good News.

Conclusion: Let’s Stay on Mission

The world is full of people who desperately need the hope, love, and salvation found in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we must resist the temptation to get sidetracked by debates over secondary issues, including government and politics. Instead, let’s commit to unity, humility, and a shared focus on the Great Commission.

The next time you feel the urge to argue about a secondary matter, ask yourself:

Is this helping to bring someone closer to Jesus?
Is this building up the body of Christ?
Am I reflecting the love of Christ in this conversation?

Let’s keep our eyes on the ultimate goal: sharing the gift of salvation and demonstrating God’s love to the world. After all, we are on a mission, and that mission is far more important than winning arguments.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

Let’s stay focused and stay faithful. The harvest is waiting.