It irks me to ask for permission.

It seems such an unnecessary step.

Nine times out of ten when I feel the need to ask for permission, I am not addressing anything creative or important. I am only saluting a gatekeeper.

When it comes to relationship with the Almighty God, it seems downright silly to seek permission from others to endorse my belief. Do I stake my eternal destiny and the richness of my own life on earth on another’s interpretation of Scripture?

The Apostle Peter sent a circulatory letter to the churches. Translators divide his letter into four chapters. The second major section of the letter provides a thumbnail sketch of the gospel in 25 short verses.

As a follower of Jesus, I acknowledge to be a recipient of His mercy. His mercy—and the healing of my soul—flows from His wounds on a cross.

He is the chief shepherd who oversees my soul. I am now God’s special possession, a member of His spiritual house and His holy priesthood. As one He placed in His holy nation, as one of His chosen people, I am now a priest, a member of the royal priesthood.

My allegiance and responsibility is to Jesus the high priest. It is from Him I receive my orders and my cleansing.

Here is my dilemma and my calling. My doctrine forms from Jesus and Scripture. As a member of His church, He calls me to love fellow Christians and to live at peace within the church family.

I know about wild hairs. (I also know something about wild hares from my New Mexico desert upbringing.)

A few days ago, I asked my lady-barber to cut my hair super short in preparation for back surgery. During recuperation time, it is easier to deal with short hair. Due to its short length, wild hairs will not lay down. They stick up everywhere.

For the past 6-plus decades I have encountered Christians in the pews and at work. I encounter them in social settings and in casual acquaintances. Bible lessons and sermons passing through my ears and my brain are in the gazillions.

It is difficult to surprise me with a wild hair idea. I suppose I have added my share of crazy opinions along the way. The church is full of people with wild hair ideas. They don’t comb down in unison with other believers.

So just how do I listen to God and Jesus without letting doctrine be formed for me by others? How can I love the church and live at peace with God’s children who promote a variety of opinions? Do I have to receive your endorsement on conclusions I draw from Scripture?

An adequate answer to these questions will go far in generating churches that reflect the cross.

I would love to hear your insights. It is perhaps the most important question I can raise for the church to walk in unity and for proclaiming the saving grace of Jesus among diverse cultures and subcultures.

Stay tuned.

Gary J. Sorrells on Cross Church