Let me start by apologizing for slacking on recent blog posts. Ok..now that you’ve forgiven me let’s move on.
Over the past few weeks (more like months) I’ve come into contact with a concerning trend. I am one who is very strong on the belief of right and wrong, of sin, morality, purity, integrity, justice, and righteousness. I agree whole heartedly with not being wishy-washy when it comes to your stance on biblical and moral issues- I get all of that. But my latest concern is some people that take that stance so far that they begin to demonize people that believe or live differently. Let me give some examples- I don’t need to tell you that we are in the middle of a giant political drama unfolding before our eyes. In working at a church I receive lots and lots of e-mails (some wanted, many others unwanted)- and the growing trend over the past few months is the influx of e-mails I get telling me how one candidate is evil, a moron, stupid, and overall a not good person. Now, I understand that as Christians we are normally on the conservative side of politics- but the issue I have is when we start to no longer be concerned about facts and qualifications for leading our country, but we now are more concerned about smearing this individual and joining with the rest of the world in name calling and less-than Christ like attitudes towards people.
Rick Warren had the 2 candidates at his church a while ago for an open forum- and I love how Rick said “we must be careful to not begin to demonize people” – I think that says it all. I understand that we are extremely passionate about our political views, but we must be careful that in our disagreement with a certain person or party we don’t resort to name calling and demonizing another person for believing differently.
I have also over the past 2 years been extremely uncomfortable with the way that the church as a whole has dealt with the issue of homosexuality. Let me be very clear- I believe homosexuality is wrong, it’s sin, and there is no middle ground. But over the past few weeks I’ve come across a couple of preachers who in talking about the issue of homosexuality have not offered help but instead have used phrases, words, and name calling to describe those that are dealing with homosexuality-this in my opinion is not acceptable at all!
Overall the reason that I wrote this entry is to encourage all of us- when in a disagreement or presented with someone or something that goes against the convictions of your faith- let’s remember that we can still stand strong in our beliefs without having to lower our standards of love, compassion, and tolerance that Jesus taught us to have. Remember Jesus ate with tax collectors and prostitutes, he hung on the cross with two thieves, he came to heal the hurting and the broken- and you will never reach a person or have them feel comfortable enough to talk to you about their struggles if you and I continue to build up walls with our words and attitudes.
For Him
Noah
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2 comments:
Right on Pastor Noah. It does seem like a touchy subject because although it is wrong, we still want them to know the god and jesus we know and to turn from their sins. Like for example premarital sex. We know there are people doing it, IN THE CHURCH!! But we dont kick them out or make them never want to come to church again but we do incourage them to turn from that. Not just because we think its wrong but because it is harmful and jesus says its wrong. Homosexuality is harmful and we want to HELP those caught up in this sin, and show them gods truth and light. It's like hey guys(and girls) theres this guy, his name is Jesus and he loves you. How you are. But he loves you so much he wants something better for you. Lay down your life for him and he will give you more joy and make you feel more at home then any lie from the devil will make you feel. You wouldn't actually say that but thats the attitude you should have. And same thing with politics. I am voting for a certain party but I trust God is above that and will place the right president. I mean it says in the bible all authority is from god, we should respect that. Sorry didnt mean to rant, thank you so much for being such a great pastor.
Noah, your comments here are long awaited. As a Christian, I have run into these exact two issues many times recently and have felt exactly like you. There should be no assumption, even in the church (or especially in the church) that all believers will vote the same way, and bash the opposing party. Every Christian has a God-given and government-given right to pray and choose the candidate they feel should be in office. And everyone has a right to be loved no matter their choice.
And as much as we try, we will never ever change lives around us by forcing Scripture on homosexuals. I don't think there will be a day when a homosexual says, "oh, ok, I'll change" after you've "smacked" them over the head with strong beliefs the opposite way. It is tolerance, love and understanding - a true interest and care in serving the person that will win them.
It's my prayer that the church will come to realize that we are servants who should put others first, rather than feeling superior than those around us.
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