April 19 ~ Jude 1:20-25
Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray. And keep in step with God's love, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to show how kind he is by giving you eternal life.
Be helpful to all who may have doubts. Rescue any who need to be saved, as you would rescue someone from a fire. Then with fear in your own hearts, have mercy on everyone who needs it. But hate even the clothes of those who have been made dirty by their filthy deeds.
Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent months the “climate” in our country has taken on a disappointing – and at times nasty – tone. I am sad to see people who publicly proclaim their Christian faith, then cover their car in bumper stickers that express unloving or disrespectful sentiments. It bothers me to see posts on Facebook from fellow believers that express intolerance for others. The message may be subtle and a bit cryptic, but the meaning is clear. I am discouraged when I read the posts that ask me to join a group to “get rid of” a specific politician or organization…or say “I hate my life”…or are so filled with four-letter words that I have to “hide” them. We shouldn’t be joking about the deaths of Al-Qaeda military leaders and administrators or the latest celebrity sex scandal or trip to rehab. Remember, God loves them just as much as He loves you!
Those of you who know me know that one of my mantras is, “People are always watching.” We need to be aware of where we are and with whom we are associating. Additionally, we need to be careful that our attitudes and behaviors do not discredit our Christian faith. People are indeed watching, and they notice when we judge others and invoke the name of Jesus in practically the same sentence. They recognize those of us who claim to be “Christians” as we stand at protest rallies, and they hear us shouting unkind – or even hateful – things. They hear our off-color jokes about the latest celebrity scandal. They see the posts on Facebook and read our editorial comments in the newspaper. They hear our conversations over lunch at the local diner. And we are judged accordingly. While we have every right to voice our opinions, we need to think about what our thoughts and actions convey to others before we do so.
When you publicly express your displeasure with everything from public welfare programs to abortion and a person’s sexual orientation or unhappiness with your government officials, you are certainly within your constitutional rights to do so. But before you speak, consider who will hear your remarks. It doesn’t matter whether others agree with you or not. If they hear you expound on a certain issue in an unkind or even hateful manner – and then they take a seat in the pew next to you on Sunday - how do you think they will view you and your faith? Will they see you as a disciple of Christ who has mercy on those who need it? Or will they see a judgmental, hard-nosed, “my-way-or-the-highway” person who serves God in a rather critical, selective manner? Will they want to serve your Jesus?
I’m not saying you can’t have opinions – or even that you have to keep them to yourself. I am asking you to stop and think before you react and speak. The very person or group you are publicly condemning may be looking to you for an example of Christian faith and mercy. They may be gauging Christianity by your level of grace and love – and how you emulate Jesus in your daily living. It’s the “love the sinner, hate the sin” concept. You don’t have to approve of sinful behavior or any lifestyle or choice you feel doesn’t line up with God’s will. But if you alienate the people to whom you wish to minister, you may never get a second chance to share Jesus’ love with them. Many will never darken the door of the church, much less return for another visit! Don’t be “guilty by association” – in any form. Before you act or speak, ask God if He approves of the message, as our politicians like to say in their campaign ads. Make sure you show love and mercy to those who need it, and keep in step with God throughout each day.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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