It can seem strange to outside observers that followers of Jesus in their pilgrimage may hold differing views about some areas of behaviour.  Not in the clearly outlined essentials of the faith but in those where there is room for discretion. This has been part of the community of pilgrims from the beginning as Paul addresses it in writing to the church in Rome in the first century, Romans chapter 14.

At the heart of it is a precous principle: the desire of a child of God to please their Father, and the Father's loving acceptance of that offering. In this is the wonderful yet risky truth that God does not treat His children as perpetual infants but as maturing and growing children. In time able to arrive at logical conclusions and applications of faith to the daily life of pilgrimage.

There are several over-riding principles to ensure this builds the fellowship of pilgrims and does not destroy it.

Recognise each pilgrim belongs to the Lord and is responsible to His direction primarily. Each pilgrim will give account of their pilgrimage to the Lord.

Then allow for differences without judgement, projection or denigration.

And finally keep own convictions within the parameters of not harming another pilgrim, even to the extent of limiting own freedom at times.

So the Lord builds a company of pilgrims who are a joyful, Spirit saturated group with well devloped discernment and warm acceptance. Who hold a common goal: To please their Lord, Jesus Christ.

Theologian R C Sproul and Evangelist Billy Graham held differing views regarding the Soveriegnity of God and the free will of mankind in response to salvation. Sproul when answering a question as to whether he expected to see Billy Graham in heaven demonstrated beautifuly the respect between pilgrims with difference. No he replied. Because in the multitude of belivers surrounding the Throne of glory Billy will be that close that I wont be able to see him from where I am at the back. Beautiful!!