You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.
These words of Jesus kept lurking at the back of my mind through yet another day of debates in Modern Literature Class. The debates have become more and more heated, and 'gentle' yelling has ensued at times. I have been keeping a reign on my tongue, keeping quiet and unobtrusive, knowing full-well the dangers of throwing my two cents into a debate where there are no winners or losers, just people with hurt feelings and riled emotions. I do congratulate our teacher for not letting it get too out-of-hand. Today's debate was on "Gay Rights." While I have my own ideas, I didn't voice them. Another person riled the class up by saying she could never respect a pastor who was openly gay and proud about it; her reason was that homosexuality is a sin condemned over and over throughout the New Testament, it isn't a "gray" area, and those 'called out' by Christ are called to forsake their sin - including homosexuality. Our school has a lot of gays, and while I don't think any of us in that classroom are gay, we all have friends who are gay, lesbian or bi-sexual. Needless to say, we almost had a riot. Yesterday I spoke up regarding religion in schools, nothing offensive, and since everyone knew where I stood on this whole "Jesus Christ" thing, I knew that anything I said would be judged. So I played it cool and remained quiet. It is just upsetting to me how Christians can be so judgmental at times; even if what we're saying isn't judgmental in itself, our tone can convey hidden judgment and condemnation. I said regarding this very topic, "When we are condemning or judgmental or self-righteous, we are nothing at all like Christ."
6 comments:
ultimately we only have to be concerned about one judgement - God's judgement.
I'm not sure that we have been told NOT to judge, however, we are told that we will be judged by the same measure we judge others.
The problem is not with having "homosexual" feelings, the problem is acting on thoses feelings and excepting it as a lifestyle. This is the same for individuals drawn to porno or alcoholism or materialism. The problem in all of these areas is embracing or accepting it as a lifestyle. Everyone has areas where they are tempted to behave in ways that are not Christ like. However, we must fight these temptations (with Christ's strength)and run from situations that would lead us to sin(foresake the sin).
God's Word supports the girl who had the courage to state an umpopular truth.I admire her for not compromising God's Word for popular opinion.
You are NOT a friend if you refuse to warn of the consequences of sinful behavoir.Cowardice should not pose as friendship.
Jesus Christ loved sinners so much that He died to give them victory over the sin that destroys them.He NEVER tolerated the sin in their lives. That is what repentance is all about-forsaking all sin.Without holiness no man will see God.
The girl IS ultimately right. I agree with everything she said. The "issue" is simply how she went about it - unlovingly and judgmentally. Her own judgmental and unloving attitude towards gays is what drew the class against her and her message. What good is us preaching the right message if we do it in a way that turns people off?
Was she prepared to "cast the first stone"?
Or was she prepared to lovingly tell them about their mistakes and lead them to Christ for repentance and forgiveness?
GO ANTHONY!!!
GO ANOTHONY!!!!
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