I don’t have permission to quote her so I want to share this in my own words. Someone wrote on social media earlier this week that she doesn’t want to step foot in a church again after watching “supposed Christians” slapping labels on others when it came to politics. She made the point that Jesus wasn’t a liberal or a conservative, a democrat or a republican.
I feel what she is saying, deep in my soul. I’m not sure – and don’t want to speak for her – that anyone objects to any legal citizen, regardless of their faith or lack thereof, voting or being involved in politics. What hurts is expecting to see us as followers and examples of Jesus acting nothing like Him. We know it as being worldly rather than spiritual; putting the world’s values ahead of God’s; prioritizing the temporal over the eternal.
The words I share below came to mind, reminding me always to remember that our first priority must be the Kingdom, and our work in spreading the Gospel of Jesus – not “being right” especially about things that, in the eternal, will Have. No. Value. Whatsoever. Is our priority to follow what the world claims is most important…or what God tells us is what matters? And that we will be accountable for anything we do that turns people away from Jesus. And most importantly, WHO we represent and HOW we represent Him. Are we showing His love and compassion in our dealings with others, in an earnest desire to see them know and love our Jesus? If our goal is any other thing, including the denigration of those whose political beliefs don’t align with ours, then we are doing the opposite of what we have been commanded to do, and in fact opposing His purpose.
(Just as a side note here, Pete and I have a reminder that we occasionally need to share with each other. When one of us violates Matthew 5:22 – ie, “Did you see what that idiot in the red car just did?!?” – the other simply says, “Raca”, giving an instant opportunity for repentance. It is a reminder we give each other, in love, not a judgement. And has over time really taken root in our hearts and in our responses to the actions and ideals of others.)
Anyway, for ease of understanding, as usual, I share some of the verses, passages, and godly quotes that come to mind in a graphic form. (I know it can’t only be me that gets overwhelmed from looking at a long page of text!)
Besides…in the end…it isn’t even us that determines the path the world takes. Our derision for others won’t make a difference. Derogatory labels won’t matter.
The world is watching us to see the Gospel message‘s value in our lives…and what could possibly have more value than the destiny of an eternal soul for whom Jesus died?
Well put my Love.
And that we will be accountable for anything we do that turns people away from Jesus.
When we go to a church as new Brothers and Sisters in Christ. There is an expectation of being welcomed (especially when we bring young children with us).
We agree with most of the teachings based on the Word of God. But what happens when this family is missing from the congregation for 2 weeks? Nothing. No phone calls, no visits, nada.
Coming back there is no :we missed you or glad to have you back. Not only that we then hear the church is moving. What? Moving? When, Where? Just the church is packing up and moving.
And, also, as the meeting ends, there is a concert and everyone is going in convoy style.
First we heard about it is at the end of service. We had other plans but we would have changed them to take our Grandson to the concert. Too late to make changes at that point.
Now, let me say, I am not complaining. It is a point that,….
And that we will be accountable for anything we do that turns people away from Jesus.
These type of actions could lead to Brothers and Sisters in Christ leaving the church and possibly like Sherry mentioned in her post above someone might just turn away from fellowship and thus not only not be fellowshipping but opening the door to Satan entering and taking that Sister in Christ away from the path God provides. Wide is the path to destruction.
I could say more but I hope you get the gist of what i am saying.
There are, indeed, many ways to turn people away from Jesus. Thankfully, in the case of Christians, John 10:28 applies.
Thanks, Sherry…excellent post
I’m good at bunny trails … here’s one…
I have to laugh when people get upset about church people who fail to live up to a certain standard, but these upset people also fail to realize that they don’t hold any other human organization up to the same high standard.
Think! There is no human organization which COULD achieve the standard you expect…because, well, humans.
I’m studying this very issue from the other side presently…that is, HOW to live to a higher standard. This is what I have found out so far: I have to take my eyes off the water I’m walking on … and look at Christ alone.
Thanks, Don…and yes, you are GREAT at bunny trails!
I think that because Christians are to be emulating The Highest Standard Himself (with indwelling help, no less), people forget that we are also human with the same feelings and imperfections that afflict all of the fallen, and are no less or no more than anyone else. Of course Galatians 2:20 comes to mind but we still get in His way.
And of course not only that, but the “holier than thou”, saint vs sinner attitude of many “Christians” does nothing to further the cause of Christ.
After reading that post I’ve been obsessing about this, and about how backwards it has all become. “Humbler than thou” and sinner alongside sinner seems more like what I see demonstrated by Jesus Himself in Scripture.
So yes, there is no other human organization which COULD achieve the standard – there is no other human organization that is dedicated to the study, fellowship, relationship, following, and Gospel of Jesus (not to state the obvious)…and your last statement: SPOT ON!!!
Good thoughts, Don! THANK YOU!