I am wearied from Christians who know everything. Their wealth of knowledge has led them to instruct me that watching movies or reading books that include witchcraft are abominations. I am instructed that my love for 80's hair bands reveal a deep seated lust for excess. I am reminded ad nauseam how wrong it is for me to speak so freely about sex with my kids or to kiss my wife publicly. I am called to remember that following after Jesus, means saying no to myself - even if more commonly it simply means saying no to things they have had to say no to. And let's not forget that if I am really going to follow the path Jesus laid out for me, it will most assuredly not include real heartfelt conversations of love and peace with lesbians or muslims; rather, it is my imperative to proclaim the unyielding fire of judgement that awaits them.
ils ne comprennent pas.
It is not that I don't appreciate correction. It is not that I don't accept my affinity for the wide path and the oft needed redirection from well respected brothers or sisters. Rather, I am more concerned that in an attempt to correct what is perceived as a wandering from the path (James 5:19-20 ) my brothers and sisters have proven to be less of a sibling in the LORD than they intended. At one point in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus cautioned people from judging without being willing to be judged. (Matthew 7:1-5) The point of this passage seems to suggest that we as followers of Christ are capable of "judging" others only if we are willing to accept the same judgement of ourselves. Now this is not about judging solely based on "you tell me not to do this...do you do this?". If we have learned anything about Jesus, we should know that there is more to the instruction. Instead of it being the Bible is against witchcraft do you practice it? It is the Bible is against a number of things - do you practice any of them?
It is not that I don't appreciate correction. It is not that I don't accept my affinity for the wide path and the oft needed redirection from well respected brothers or sisters. Rather, I am more concerned that in an attempt to correct what is perceived as a wandering from the path (James 5:19-20 ) my brothers and sisters have proven to be less of a sibling in the LORD than they intended. At one point in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus cautioned people from judging without being willing to be judged. (Matthew 7:1-5) The point of this passage seems to suggest that we as followers of Christ are capable of "judging" others only if we are willing to accept the same judgement of ourselves. Now this is not about judging solely based on "you tell me not to do this...do you do this?". If we have learned anything about Jesus, we should know that there is more to the instruction. Instead of it being the Bible is against witchcraft do you practice it? It is the Bible is against a number of things - do you practice any of them?
For example, it is unsettling to me that some people will valiantly attack a brother or sister in Christ for considering a tattoo because Leviticus 19:28 tells them the Lord says no. Now, I don't see many of them rising when an elderly person walks in the room (Leviticus 19:32) or going to the aid of immigrants when the government determines their value is less than human (Leviticus 19:33). Yes the Scriptures forbid the practice of witchcraft (Exodus 20:18, Leviticus 19:31, 20:6, 20:27), but they also command us to things such as stone adulterers (Leviticus 20:10-12), kill those who "curse" their parents (Leviticus 20:9), avoid busybodies so that they will be shamed (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15), and to drink wine if we have stomach problems. (1 Timothy 5:23) Ultimately, using the Scriptures as a defense means that you must be willing to examine whether or not you really are willing to fall under the same scrutiny yourself.
I am not attempting to undermine the direction that others have received from the LORD. Nor am I saying that using the Scriptures is not a good source for accountability. I accept that it is the intention of the LORD that the body of Christ hold one another accountable to live as children of light; however, I will contend that like them, I have been given a spirit of discernment. I am able to understand the powers of darkness and the impact that can have on my soul. I recognize that I am under a new authority and as such it is required of me to be intentional in my life as to my choices. I realize the importance of being a godly parent, the spiritual head of my house, and a lover to only two: God and my wife. At the end, I hope that I have been faithful in those accounts. I trust if I have not, the Holy Spirit will instruct me both through the Word of the Lord and Counsel. (Jeremiah 31:31-34, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 14:25-26) The difference: I pray that all correction I offer will be done so with the humility of Jesus. (Philippians 2:5-11) I pray that I will remember that when I cite the Scripture to defend a position, I must be willing to accept that my desire is to be godly, not right. I pray my words wound less and heal more. I realize that sometimes others need a do better speech, I just hope we are as open when its our turn.
Soli Deo Gloria.
(All Scripture references are hyperlinks)
Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Ad Infinitum. Or something like that.
ReplyDeleteI too am wearied.