Over the past week or so there has been an article
circulating on the Internet published by Relevant Magazine called “Christians Shouldn’t Be Cultures Morality Police.” While I would agree to a point I think that
too many “Christians” today take this to an unhealthy extreme. Because of this,
what you are about to read may be one of the most blunt blog posts I have ever
written. I do not wish to offend, but neither will I apologize for sharing the
truth.
First of all, as I stated in an article several weeks ago I
totally agree there is no way that we should expect the world to
wholeheartedly embrace a Christian worldview. To do so would be foolish. Paul
said “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but
unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (I Corinthians 1:18)
That being said, it continues to amaze and grieve me the
number of people who say they are Christians yet think it is okay for babies to
be murdered and for marriage to be blasphemed. As I’ve said, supporting and
loving non-Christians is not the same as a wholesale acceptance for their
activity. It is 100% accurate that Jesus Christ spent time with sinners and
that he often spoke very gently to the most despised people in the society in
which he resided. It’s very true that he met people where they were but it is
also true that he didn’t leave them there.
It is worth noting that in John chapter 8 in addition to
saying “neither do I condemn you” Christ also said “go and sin no more.” Both
of these messages are important. Also, while it would be wrong of us to expect
total perfection on anyone’s part, it is also wrong to put forth the idea (if
not in word and by implication) that Christianity can exist without the
evidence of a changed life. If nothing changes when you become a Christian,
what is the point and who are you actually following?
I have non-Christian friends who I love dearly. I enjoy
spending time with them and when we are together I seek to encourage them. I
pray for open doors to discuss the things of Scripture and also that God would
open their eyes to its truth. I don’t bash them over the head with the Bible
but neither do I shy away from what I believe.
Am I perfect?
Absolutely not! But if perfection was the standard necessary to preach truth
even the apostle Paul would be disqualified. He did not preach truth because he
was perfect but rather because he was brought to the truth by the mercy of God
and commissioned to share with others what he had learned. I firmly believe
that in some ways there is a greater example to the world in admitting our
imperfections (and striving to walk worthy in spite of them) then there is in
putting up a false front of perfection. Ask anyone who lives with me and they
will be glad to share with you my flaws.
As people’s lives change, so should their impact upon the
society in which they live. It is worth noting that no society can exist apart
from moral standards.Also Christ's followers didn't "turn the word upside down" by staying silent. (Acts 17:6) I know many people do not like to think about this but
whether you like it or not our nation was founded on biblical principles. Our
founding fathers begun this nation on the premise that true freedom is found
through responsibility. Today we have a large portion of a generation that want
freedom but not the responsibility that goes with it. The result is chaos.
I think it’s amazing in the sense that we arrived at a point
where somehow it is okay to step away from moral standards while holding to
them is wrong. The Scriptures tell us that all life is sacred even in the womb
and now technology confirms what the psalmist knew all too well. If you want to
continue to carry a banner for abortion I can’t stop you but we are long past
the time when you can call it anything less than murder. When our hearts stop
beating we are declared dead, yet somehow in the society in which we now find
ourselves a beating heart does not constitute life. This must stop!
I want to say a word or two here about homelessness. One of
the points that is often brought up is that Christians should care more about
the poor. I agree with this but again balance is required in our discussion of
this issue. I worked with the homeless population at Guiding Light Mission for
a year and a half and I can tell you that while there were a good number of
people looking for a hand up there also were a good amount who I knew would
stay homeless because they looked to be enabled instead of empowered.
We need to make sure that we are consistently sharing the
truth in love. I know that many people approach truth in the wrong way, but
that doesn’t negate it. Jesus didn’t die on the cross because he never said
anything controversial. He died on the cross because people hated the truth and
because it was the only way to deal with the truth that we are all sinners in
need of a Savior.
My prayer for you is that you will continue to be steadfast
in your proclamation of the truth while being loving to everyone. May God bless
you all!
Speaking4Him,
Andrew Gommesen
