You acting crazy fool..you need to act like this…
Posted by Chris on Saturday, May 17th, 2008
Today I came across a post by a blogger I follow who is the Director of Communications at Park Community Church in Chicago, Illinois. The post is actually a repost from this blog. The context of the original post is discussing some of the happenings in California over the issue of same sex marriages. In the original post this thought was made.
Christians should not expect non-Christians to act as if they have the same standards, especially since even Christians have a hard time living up to them.
The Spirit of God can truly change people when people want to be transformed.
I find this so true. I can remember arguing in chat rooms, forums, IRC Chats, AIM, etc about why people should believe what I believe. While there is some obviously good reasons for sharing truth, I’ve learned that there is absolutely no reason to demand one to follow it, especially those who don’t believe in what Jesus did on the cross and have accepted that to be true. I think this quote goes beyond the homosexual issue, honestly. Eric, the original author writes:
Christians are known for who we hate rather than how we love. This moves us out of the conversation and polarizes those involved so quickly no progress can be made.
One thing I have been really learning is the importance of engaging the culture, standing firm in convictions and truths - not compromising, and in doing so not outright judging and condemning people. I think the church has done a horrible job at the hanging out and socializing part that Christ so clearly displayed throughout scripture. Don’t get me wrong - I’m not saying everyone or anyone specific in the church is at fault. I’m just saying as a whole, I think we’ve done a pretty lousy job.
I know some of the stupidness I’ve done, I wish I could go back and correct it.
Filed in makes ya think, random thoughts, spiritual application |
I believe it tends to be a maturity thing or something. But this post is exactly right we are known for who we hate more then who we love. Not only do we seem to hate non Christians but even Christian who just don’t seem to agree with us? Your right it is not just with homosexuals though most Christians seem homophobic. When we will learn that our yelling, screaming, despising, rejecting, hating, etc. at those that do not believe the way we do will not win others to the kingdom.
Thanks for joining in the conversation at my blog!
You are so right about the importance of engaging the world around us rather than hiding from it AND maintaining convictions. It is actually possible to love those with whom we disagree. We should be sent out into relationships and set apart in our behavior - not vice versa. We should serve, love, and influence with grace and truth (John 1:14).