His Theological Humility
William Greathouse was well known and respected in the Church of the Nazarene. But not all Christians agree with Nazarene theology and thinking. In fact one of Greathouse's most prominent and promising students was a man named RT Kendall, who went on to become a very well-respected author and pastor. But Kendall left the Church of the Nazarene as a young man because he had become a Calvinist – and his new theological views clashed greatly with Greathouse and his Nazarene thinking and theology.
Grace-Filled Fellowship Across Differences
In spite of this, Greathouse and Kendall remained close friends. A whole chapter in this biography was written by Kendall, and I wanted to share some of his words with you. He wrote on page 103 "Dr. Greathouse and I have talked many times – in humour and in seriousness – about how we will find out together in heaven who got it right! What is most amazing is that we remained friends - close friends - and today we are closer than ever. What might have ended other friendships only intensified ours. This outcome possibly says more about the heart of William M. Greathouse than anything else… I have no doubt that his being filled with the Spirit has brought out this self-effacing and humble spirit, one that no human being acquires naturally. God is the explanation for such a humility."
What a lovely tribute! Just lately I have made friends with a few local ministers here on the East Rand who certainly don't share my theological views in all matters. But our love for Jesus is what unites us, and I have come to truly treasure these friends of mine, even though we disagree on some secondary things.
Unity in Christ Above Theological Precision
Here's a question: do we have theological humility? Or do we reject those who differ from us? It's common for churches to see each other as enemies, because they are different. But friends, different expressions and understandings of theological matters can't divide us! If it does, it damages our witness as followers of Jesus. But if we are able to disagree with grace and love, like Greathouse and Kendall, what a great picture this paints of the grace of God.
Kendall goes on to write this at the end of the chapter, talking about heaven: "The wonderful thing is that we will be there—both of us. Not because of our theological accuracy but because of the sheer grace of God, having been crucified with Christ."
What matters is not that we have the correct view on all things – but that we are united in our love for Christ and what He has achieved for us. Let's have the theological humility to allow for different views in secondary matters. May the Spirit in us give us gentleness and grace, even when we disagree.
You can read the biography that I read for free here, it’s a short and lovely read.
