How we should respond when we disagree?
This morning the little time I had while getting ready for an appointment, I took a few minutes to read an article online. This article was posted on the Christian site and it was giving information about a group of people in Texas who are opening The church of Lucifer and some members of the body of Christ that were there to protest. There was also a video clip on the site that shows the behavior of both sides.
As far as protests go, it seemed quite calm and fairly simple though some of the signs were objectionable from my point of you I’m sure those who carried them felt strongly and that they were standing up for other Christians but even more so for God. Something deep inside of me was unsettled even after reading this well-written article. It is a common occurrence to see articles of this nature; almost every article of this type leaves me a bit unsettled, especially when they are aggressive or hateful.
As a prepared for the appointment, I prayerfully pondered what I’d read and I came up with a response/comment. More accurately, a few questions. This was the comment I posted in response…
I have to say the protest did look calm and peaceful for the most part…
BUT I must ask this question to the protesters…Is a protest with large
signs and some that were less than kind the way Jesus Christ would
have approached these folks?? Those who are in deception do not
know they are in deception. Jesus choose to walk among the people
humbly, gently peacefully and kindly. He firmly and lovingly taught God’s
ways in a way that compelled lives to change and follow Him and allowed
them the choice to follow or not. He always spoke the truth in love. His
harshest words were reserved for the Pharisees and Sadducees who
lorded over His people and held them to a higher standard than they
themselves lived up to. Flesh and blood are not our enemies as Christians.
Ephesians 6:2 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but
against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this
darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly place.
Heavenly places!! That means warring on our knees and loving people into
the kingdom and out of darkness.”
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now
those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions
and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, we must also follow the Spirit.
We must not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one
another.”
Galatians 5:22-26 HCSB
After responding, I placed my thoughts on the back burner and had some worship and prayer time as I drove to the dentist. Well as you most likely know, most of us have little to do while sitting in the dental chair whether it’s for dental work or for a regular cleaning. There is usually some music playing in the background, or in my case the TV in the room switched to a station of random choosing that held little interest to me. Some of you will not understand, but others will totally get it; I want to those whose brain never stops. You see, I have an inability to just sit back, relax and let my mind go blank. It’s always jumping around back-and-forth on some topic or another and now I’ve come full circle back to the feeling this article provoked! And then more questions…
Is there any precedence in the Word of God that promotes protests?
We are commissioned to tell the Good News (Gospel), but does it tell
that it is the Holy Spirit draws the unbeliever and brings understanding?
Are we trying to be the Holy Spirit in someone’s life?
Does the Creator of the entire universe really need His creation to
defend Him?
Is it true that Biblically, Paul called believers in Christ to follow him as he
followed Jesus Christ?
Did Jesus Christ ever involve Himself in a protest or take it upon Himself
to defend God, His Father? Or even defend Himself, for that matter?
If allowing individuals to chose Him or reject Him was God’s idea,
is it really our place to step in and try to force others to choose our way or
beliefs?
My point is this, if we are loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength; following wholeheartedly after Jesus and His example; and walking in the Spirit (exhibiting His fruit); people will be drawn to the Christlike lives we live. That opens to door to share the Gospel in power because they will see us living it and be drawn to His likeness in us. Will all listen or receive? Probably not, but with God all things are possible. We may share the things we are against in protest thinking we are doing good and helping others but are we really doing good or being decisive? If we do so in a way that has not been sanctioned by God or His Word, can it really be good thing? These are but a few of the questions rolling around in my head today in hopes of growing deeper and stronger in obedience to His Word and His ways.
Grace and Peace to you my friend!
Living in His Grace 