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This is part of a series of posts based on the Churches Together in England publication one light: one world. If you click on the link you will find the biblical texts. This post of the same name covers the purpose of this series.
1 Corinthians 12: 31; 13: 1 - 13
What is there to say about this passage? The main point is lesser gifts such as prophecy, tongues, understanding will pass away. Only faith, hope and love will remain.
We can conclude, amongst the things which will pass away, are our various traditions. I think of traditions as stepping stones. They are something we use to move us towards a final destination. You don't stop on one stone forever. If you did, you would block the progress of people behind you.
Note this in no way denies the necessity for stepping stones. But their purpose is temporary . They are a means of communication between two sides of a river. Our churches are a means of communication between this life and a life of faith, hope and love.
The challenge then is to use them properly, so others are helped, not hindered, by our activities. We do not need more than one set of stones to cross over and any set will do.
The analogy breaks down when we consider sharing between traditions but at least we can see users of other stones as travellers on the same journey. Travellers who can share notes, tips and tricks.
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