Understanding Christians who do not act like Christians

Today much of the criticism of Christians we tend to hear is not of our beliefs per se but of our failure to live by them consistently. Folks know what we believe, and many know the Bible as well if not better than we do. On this Christ spoke volumes. His largest battles were not against non believers, these he sought to comfort and to guide, but rather against those who claim to speak for God yet spoke of Law and not of its meaning or purpose. His battles against the Pharisees & Scribes were not merely a historical event nor just a means to an end, but also an example for all who choose to follow Him.

Today, I happened by my friends Facebook in response to a post. I saw alleged Christians spout ignorance based hate at folks they do not know and could not be bothered to learn of. When I speak of ‘hate’, I mean the real words “I hate…” such and such. Hate, despite the beliefs of certain alleged Christians, is not a Christian value. Needless to say these folks were of the political variety. The cause and the folks they attacked are irrelevant. For context, however, it was a group perceived as anti gun rights that seeks an end to gun violence against children. One in fact sees this ignorance blended with poorly applied piety on any number of issues. The issue itself matters not, the principle is the same, regardless.

Now I recall the words, in Mark, that  Christ spoke to His followers about the place Christians should have for the Government of Man in their hierarchy of values versus what role our Christian values and our fealty to God should play in our lives. These were to be given each their due. It is my belief that we can not affect the time frame that God has ordained for Christ’s return and for the arrival of a God established Government here on our plane. I also believe that our involvement in government should be limited, that in our hearts, minds and actions we should render to Caesar and to God their appropriate due. We should render in resources, in actions and, most critically, in our spiritual interest each their appropriate due.  We should not presume that our affairs here on Earth will have any change on the time line He has chosen.

Spiritual warfare

A recent video showing the beheading of a Christian by Islamicists after they forced him to ‘convert’ to Islam is a reminder of the threat posed by fundamentalism. We must remember, though, that Radical Islam does not have a monopoly on dogmatism. The hate and scriptural ignorance of folks like Westboro Baptist and the rabid intolerance of folks like Jerry Falwell – people and groups who preach hate or  intolerance in the name of God – is troubling. It is evidence of a problem which is bigger than Islamofascism.

It’s a problem within the Body of Christ. As representatives of Christ this problem belongs to all people of the Christian faith. The problem is that too many folks have become too comfortable with using force to achieve their goals. They’re beginning to answer for it.