Monday, November 14, 2011

Pre-Judging vs. 1 Corinthians 13

I'm amazed at how Believers in Christ can become so prejudicial [i.ei: "judge before"] and aggressively unkind in this one area: Politics. Since when did "Love your neighbor as yourself" have the caveat, "but treat them with disdain and let your fury rain over them when they oppose your political beliefs." ?


This issue is a very, very polarized one. Polarized. Imagine 2 magnets.....imagine what happens when we try to force them together on the "wrong sides." This is what happens when CHRISTIANS talk about politics.


Yes, I said Christians. I'm talking about this kind of person: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ lay down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." 


What I see happening is that this "Called", "Set-apart", "Ransomed" person can immediately strip off the compassion of the Prince of Peace, turn our backs on the Propitiation for our Sins, the Interceder, and slice, parry, and stab each other with words of condemnation, disdain, and sheer hatred at the mention of things like Abortion or Healthcare.


Have you done this? Have you Pre-Judged? Have you condemned your brother when he said, "I think healthcare needs to be socialized"? Did you gasp with shock at the audacity with which your sister questioned the "Sanctity of Life" act?


Look around: the people who are Christians, Called, Set-Apart, Redeemed......100 years from now, do you believe you will be rejoicing with them in Heaven before God's throne? Will you? Will they? If that is so, then kindness and self-sacrificing Love should be on your tongue no matter what you're talking about. Words of edification and peace should be coming from your lips towards them. The one who is your brother--though he think Socialism should rule in this country--you must lay your life down for him. The sister who wants the "right to choose" for women.......you must love her as you love yourself while you're talking about the issue.


Look around: the people who are lost, who have not named Christ as Savior and Lord......100 years from now,  won't they be suffering in Hell? Will you say to them, "You deserved it, you voted Democrat." Or will you weep and let your hearts be softened for them, and "leave the 99 and go search for them until they're found" .....and then REJOICE WITH THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN when one of them turns and repents? Will politics keep you from pouring out yourself to them?


Now, look around: is there anyone else? Are we not, before God, either The Redeemed, or The Lost? And we are called to reach out in Love to BOTH.


Here is my final statement: the Redeemed should be able to talk about politics peacefully with both brothers, and others. If you are Christ's, then you should not be easily angered (1 Corinthians 13:5). You should be able to listen to a brother or a lost person speak about any "hot button" topic and answer with the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus pouring out of you like Living Water.


Why not? Why NOT?



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