I spent a few weeks reading and re-reading the book of John, and I’ve been mulling over how to implement the teachings, ideas, themes, etc. into life. And one way I see this is in the matter of conscience and parenting, or our consciences and any topic.
It’s hard to deal with areas of conscience and others who differ because our consciences can make things as serious as sin for us, you know?
Like one person’s conscience let’s them drink a little alcohol, another person’s conscience says it’s wrong to do that.
And there are almost endless issues like this in life.
Enter Jesus’ prayer as He was facing death for our sakes. . .
And we have to love each other as Christ loved us, and live in unity as God the Father and God the Son are unified.
I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one– as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:20-23
You know, when it comes to some areas of parenting, I have my conscience and my opinions and ways. When asked, I will share. When writing on my blog, I will blog my thoughts. And yet, I am more convinced that I need to be terrible in guarding the unity of the church. I will not make my ways about childbirth, health, parenting, etc., issues that divide.
I have said out loud, that I do not want for there to be one “right” way in our church. Search the Bible, ask the Spirit to teach you, get advice, and these are issues you need to decide for yourself and your family between you and God.
(Caveat: This is not referring to clear sin issues nor areas where child abuse is happening.)
I love my group of mommy friends. You know, some missionaries on the same field have terrible relationships because of these peripheral issues. But I love my mommy group because we are so very different from each other in many, many ways, in many of these controversial issues, but I think we love each other, we are vulnerable to each other, and we don’t judge each other. I love our “oneness” and I hope we keep growing in it 
Wonderful post! We do need to have unity in the body of Christ. If we love others with the love of Christ, we will focus more on what we have in common, namely Him and focus less on our differences.
Colossians 3:12-14
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.