"Discarding the Labels"

“Discarding the Labels”

 

(Note: The next ten articles represent some things I’ve learned from the men of my family, both young and “old” {funny how that term has changed its meaning over the years}. Seeing the qualities they’ve brought into my life has made me thankful for each of them. I share these memories with the prayer that all will appreciate the contributions of others in making us who we are.)

Shortly after graduating from college my son (and Karen’s too) Dave said, “Dad, I don’t think I want to be called a Baptist anymore.” I assured him I was okay with this but was curious about why. He responded that he didn’t want to have a label beyond Christian but made it clear that he firmly held to the basic beliefs he’d been taught and adopted as his own. And to this day he hasn’t wavered from that decision of 20+ years ago.

Recently I talked with Dave about this conversation. He told me it went back to participating in a youth musical ministry during his senior year of high school which was made up of Christian teens from many different church backgrounds who worked together to honor their Lord. His odyssey continued during his four years at a Christian college where many denominations were represented. He came to realize that there were essential convictions which he embraced and fringe areas which he didn’t want to become tests of fellowship. This has led to his involvement with various churches and ministries as God has worked in his life.

As the years have gone by I’ve seen a similar transition in my own journey. While I remained in the same association my outlook changed and I began to broaden my perspective to include fellowship with pastors and other believers from different traditions. I saw that God’s family was bigger than my circles, and labels didn’t tell the whole story. I now simply describe myself as a believer who attends Victory Church.

There’s a place for specific designations but not at the expense of the larger issue. In Acts 11:26 Dr. Luke writes, “The disciples were first called Christians (literally, “followers of Christ”) at Antioch.” Now that’s a label worth having!

Dave, your Mom and I are proud of you and thank God for the man you’ve become and for showing us what matters. We love you!

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan (aka Dad)