John 4:24 English Standard Version (ESV) God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

There are times within the Word of God that the word must is used. It is a word of necessity even if we do not understand the reasoning behind those necessities, God said must. There must be a good reason behind it.

I checked all the English translations of John 4:24 and discovered that the vast majority of translations use the word must. There were other words used in substitution which carry similar if not the same meaning. Necessary was one of them. Then there were a few versions that translated the original in such a manner that I became uncomfortable reading them. I have my reasons, my opinion, and for me to tell you they are wrong and to avoid reading those versions would be hypocritical of me considering what I said yesterday.

If I were to say any translation is so far afield of other translations that God cannot use that translation to touch the lost, I would be utterly wrong. Nothing is impossible for God. On the other hand I find certain things to be extremely difficult. I can share my opinions, I can reason with others, but I do not have the right to insist that anyone must agree with me or be in peril for ending our relationship.

When we break off communication all hope is lost. Wars are not settled on the battle field, they are settled at the peace tables. Both sides must sue for peace or one side will suffer genocide and the victor will be seen by history as evil. The tactics of warfare in this kingdom are performed in the heavenly realms and not by making others suffer.

Ephesians 6:12 English Standard Version (ESV) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Romans 14:5 English Standard Version (ESV) One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.

This is but one small example of many opinions that can differ within the body of Christ. While we are encouraged to have unity in the spirit, our minds are still flesh. It is inevitable that some differences in opinions and emotions will occur. Being insistent upon being right in matters that the Lord does not define clearly will cause schisms in fellowship.

Why are there so many different church administrations? People gather and worship together based on comfort, peace of mind, and agreement about what principles of worship are important. It should not be that way but it is a fact. We prefer in our minds to hold certain issues more important than others.

When it comes to matters of faith we all want to be right in what we believe. This issue of days hits close to me because I have personal experience in the matter. I can see the other side and my opinion is that I do not have the right to argue my point and make others change how they choose to worship.

This issue has no permanent effect on anyone’s salvation unless we start making baseless accusations that places fear or doubt in the mind of another. How many different ways are there to baptize? Is one to be preferred over another to the point that we cannot understand why anyone should choose one way over another? When we refuse to understand why anyone should believe in any particular manner about issues that do not affect salvation we are wrong.

For a people who want to be right and do right we have allowed our opinions to cause divisions unnecessarily. Over the years I have heard many men of conscience admit, “I cannot worship there.”

John 4:24 English Standard Version (ESV) God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. That is a “must” issue.