The fact of the matter is that the confusion and division that exists in the religious world today is an attempt at just the sort of thing I’ve described. Men have begun their service to God by asking the following questions or ones like them:

In matters of worship: “How do I feel like worshiping God?” “What makes me feel close to God?” “What makes me feel spiritual and uplifted?”

Concerning the work of churches: “What do I think churches ought to do?” “What kind of programs would I like for my kids to be involved in?” “What would I like the church to do for me?”

In the area of salvation: “What would make me feel like I’m going to heaven?” “What kind of assurance do I want?” “How much do I think God expects of me?”

What follows is a quest to seek out people who have answered those questions in the same way, who have similar opinions in those matters. Most folks will compromise some of their preferences for the sake of meeting their priorities. They’ll forego an “uplifting” worship for an active youth group, or make some doctrinal concessions for the sake of a single’s ministry or mother’s day out program. Lots of people. Lots of opinions and preferences. Lots of churches catering to all those preferences. Lots of confusion.

There is a better way. Rather than beginning with my personal preferences and your private opinions, which are sure to contradict in some area, why not start with God? Why not go to Him who authored our religion, and see what He would have us do? Instead of the aforementioned questions, why not ask the following:

In matters of worship: “How would God have me honor Him?” “What sacrifices please Him? What does He prescribe to build me up and make me more spiritual and closer to Him?

Concerning the work of churches: “What does God want His churches to do?” “Did He give them some special work?” How does God want the energies and resources of His people to be spent?

In the area of salvation: “What assurance does God give of salvation?” “When and how does He promise to forgive me of my sins?” “What does God say I must do to be saved?”

The difference between these latter questions and those mentioned earlier is where they start. Rather than starting with my opinion and your opinion, they begin with God. They send us both on a quest to look to Him for answers and guidance rather than looking to ourselves. Instead of being hopelessly divided over our personal opinions and preferences, we’ll find ourselves united by His commandments.

God didn’t author the confusion that exists in the religious world today. He wrote the Bible to prevent that sort of thing. But when we don’t consult the Author of Peace before we proceed in areas of religion, we are sure to end up with a different church on every corner. Read your Bible. It’s the only way to be assured that we’re approaching God on His terms and not on our own.