There is a religious misunderstanding which I think has been spilling over into the political world. I would describe it as the proper distinction between being judgmental and speaking the truth in love. One thing I hear from those on the liberal side of the political spectrum is that I should not be judging others and should instead be tolerant of any variety of behavior. This ideology which sometimes is even found among other Christians, basically backs the premise that sins as described in the Bible are no longer sins. Anyone who believes these behaviors are still sins in today's world is therefore considered judgmental.
First of all, I think this attitude is a convenient one for liberals. It enables them to find fault with those they consider as right-wing wackos while still quoting Scripture. "Judge not....." Secondly, I think this thinking is not properly interpreting the passage about judging others. The passage deals with an individual considering themselves as "better than thou" and does not indicate that one should not be judging whether a behavior is one which is sinful or not.
We, as Christians, certainly should not be in the business of saying we are better than others. But Scripture is very clear that we should not be tolerant of sin. It also is very clear that we have a God who does not change. We need to acknowledge the sin that exists in our life, and we need to confess that sin. Believing in Jesus and His sacrifice, we know we are forgiven, not because of anything we do, but because of what He has done for us. It is then our responsibility to tell the truth of both the Law and the Gospel. God tells us that we are to speak the truth IN LOVE. We care enough about others that we communicate the dangers of sin as well as the great news of the Gospel. If we are wishy-washy about the truth of sin and become fearful of others considering us intolerant, then we are not following God's instructions. On the other hand, if we are just in the business of noticing others' sins without being penitent ourselves, we are also not in accordance with His will. Then we would become like the folks at Westboro Baptist who I feel are giving Christianity a bad name. We would not be speaking the truth in love.
What was once a sin is still a sin. That truth is important to tell. Jesus died for our sins. That truth is even more important to tell.
Another truth is that Jesus is the ONLY way to be saved. Believing that will often get us declared to be intolerant too. That discussion may be a post for another day.
Well-spoken, Warren.
ReplyDeleteI confess I've often had trouble with this teaching, for no lesser reason than that I have friends who are deeply immersed in the world. As you point out, the thing we cannot forget - which is the failing of the Westboro Baptists of the world - is that while we are called to speak the truth, we cannot fail to do so in love. We may be the only ones in a position to share with such people, and if we only bring the Law and do not embody Christ's saving and loving Gospel in doing so, how can we expect to do anything other than turn them away?
Our pastor has a wonderful way of putting our job - we are so to work such that the sinner gets the comfort and God gets the glory. We must model Corinthians in this, for if we have not love, no one will listen - and rightly so. The sinner will never receive the comfort he needs, and God certainly will not be glorified.
It is a terribly narrow line to hold. But we were never told it would be easy.