First of all, welcome to the debut post for this new venture I’ve begun for 2014. It’s a writing project where I want to share some thoughts on a range of subjects that pass through my mind. Please note that the majority of what I write here will not be “polished articles.” That is, I consider them rough drafts on material I hope to explore in the future.I start this blog because I get many ideas that I want to keep track of. Of course, please feel free to leave your comments about what I say and/or share it with others.
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Recently I came across a couple of articles that offered views on what Christians should stop either saying or doing. This reminded me of some ideas floating in my mind about things that Christians need to remember but often forget. Even though I aim this at those who profess Christianity, or consider themselves Christians, I believe those with differing religious beliefs will find what I have to say interesting.
1. Sin is Sin
I am sick and tired of Christians who think they are “taking a stand for Jesus” by proclaiming their belief that homosexuality is a sin. It’s not because I don’t believe this myself, and I’m not writing this because of the recent remarks by Phil Robertson. I don’t watch his show and haven’t read what he said. The reason I grow weary of anyone making a statement about viewing homosexuality as a sin is because the Bible I read states that all sin IS sin! While the consequences for one sin vs. another may be different, there is essentially no difference between one sin and another.
Having said that, I must qualify what I mean and risk contradicting myself. Considering the angle of consequences of certain sins, one might argue that the more the Bible warns against something the worst the repercussions are. Unless I’m mistaken there are fewer than a dozen verses dealing with homosexuality, but one translation of the Bible speaks against greed twenty-five times. Even worse, PRIDE is addressed sixty-three times! So, next time you are tempted to “stand for the Truth,” spend more time speaking out against greediness and the prideful.
2. Everyone is a Sinner
This next point, that “everyone is a sinner,” builds on my previous notion that “sin is sin.” While those of us who embrace the Christian faith are all actually considered “saints,” because of our human nature we share at our core the label of “sinner.” As a result of this, I encourage my Christian family to be less quick to point a finger at someone and call them a “sinner.” After all, when doing this you are pointing three other fingers at yourself! I find (when I’m honest with myself) that I have a lot of shortcomings and if I would only spend the time and energy on changing these shortcomings I would be a better example of what a Christian should be.
3. Grace and Mercy Make the Difference
While it is somewhat artificial to separate this aspect from the previous, I felt it necessary to do so to properly emphasize the last point and this one. Another way of saying the same thing is an expression that may be a little overused or misunderstood by nonbelievers: “there but for the grace of God go I.” I’ve always understood this to mean that given the right (or wrong) circumstances I could be in the same place (in the same shoes) as the other person. That is, it is nothing I’ve done in my own strength to keep me from it, but rather it was God’s grace or His mercy.
4. Don’t Confuse the Trees with the Forest
This last notion is actually one that is more general and something I’m likely to write a lot more about later. In other words, it’s a growing idea that’s been floating around my head for some time. The basic point is easy to understand regardless of religious beliefs. In some ways, getting a better grasp of the concept will help those who are Christians understand my three previous points.
I’m sure nearly everyone is familiar with the principle behind the expression: “Can’t see the forest for the trees.” The obvious meaning is that when a person is in the middle of a forest, it is not possible to realize the “big picture” because of being so focused on what is immediately in front of him. Restricting this illustration to ideas I’ve been sharing translates to this point: consider the larger context of your actions to recognize how they will impact others around you. Related to this is realizing the limits of your power to change others, but remembering your greatest power is in changing yourself. Accomplishing the proper task will likely be the start of a domino effect of positive influence and the best stand you can take “for Jesus.”
(revised 1/4/2014 from suggestions by Sorina Higgins)
Willy Words 