I have heard the argument that "Christians need to start acting right if we want the world to like us" many times. While I agree with the spirit of the argument, I think many seem to overlook one very important fact: the world HATES Christ, and as a result He promised they would hate us also. I am in 100% agreement that there are many problems within the church, especially in the realm of discipleship. I do agree that many have elevated traditions above God. Traditions in themselves are not bad as God established many traditions in the OT to serve as a reminder of what He has done; however, many focus on the traditions more than God. What I do not agree with is the mentality that many have which is if somehow we could win the world’s popularity vote we will be more effective. This can’t be further from the truth. No one was more loving than Christ and yet he was murdered. The NT Church out gave the Roman government in charitable contributions, and yet people still cheered on when Christians were killed. The Apostle John who wrote the most about the requirement to show love to others as proof that you are a believer and walking in the Light was boiled alive and exiled. The Apostles gave much and loved much and yet they were all killed. The world HATES Christ and by extension they will hate us. YES the church NEEDS A LOT of work (as do we all), but the world will never accept the Bride when they despise the Bridegroom. Christ stands in direct opposition to all opposing worldviews. He says that NO ONE can get to the Father except through Him. When you speak to other religions and even atheists they will accept most moral obligations imposed by many religions, and they may even agree with the “something greater than me” mindset. However, when you interject Christ into the conversation that is when their hate and vitriol come out. They can’t stand to entertain the thought of this Christ who demands the entire world to accept him before they can even hope to escape God’s wrath. A savior that exists beyond themselves is foolishness to them. We MUST LOVE, we MUST PRACTICE what we preach. Our works don’t save us, but they do provide evidence of our salvation and our changed hearts. The statement is ok, I just hope people don’t misunderstand you and think you are calling for a church that is popular; but rather a Bride worthy of her Groom, a bride who shows her love and not only talks about it.
Posted on: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 14:34:49 +0000
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