I do a lot of counselling. I don't know what qualifies me in that regard, whether it is empathy or wisdom, but before we get too far with that, it is only fair to warn you that this is going to be a rant.
There are some people, who shall remain nameless because they don't have the courage to give their name, who feel it is their work in history to hold others accountable through slander and lies. They seem to believe that their meaness is justified by some supposed insult they have suffered by anothers actions. It becomes a festering wound so deep that they lose all perspective on what is right or wrong. All walls of common decency come down and a battlefield of disgusting filth becomes their playground. They become the hands and mouth of their own gods; vengence and retribution.
Now before you think that I am talking about a culture outside of christianity, think again. We in the church are the WORST offenders. Somehow we believe that we hold the true measure of all things moral simply because we have been given the Holy Spirit. We feel free to condemn others justifying our actions with, 'God told me...' never thinking that God also gave us a mind that with some use might put brakes to our actions.
Schreeech!
DO NOT insult the reputation of my God by thinking that He would ever use filth and vile words or actions to bring about the softening required for repentence in anyones heart. If you are not standing in humility before Him allowing Him to see the putrid flesh of your own heart then He can never use you to illuminate anyone elses.
It is with fear and trembling that we stand before the throne of God. Not before anyone else. You had better make sure that before you go to anyone else to supposedly confront them on their sin, that yours has been absolutely purified by the exacting measure of the Holy Spirit in your own life. And if you cannot put your name behind your words then you are only working on satan's behalf, hiding under a rock like a insect, afraid to come into the Light.
No wonder so many hate the church.
5 comments:
Wow. You are right in so many aspects. The way that people think that they are better and "use" God. I think that you are a counsellor because God has given you a wonderful gift. A gift of compassion and understanding. Of not jumping the gun so to speak and using false words and truths. You are very Christ like in all your ways and I think that is what makes you a good counsellor. A gift.
Once again your style is articulate and passionate.
You have summarized the issue so well...
As I read your blog I find it so sad that we in the churh will slander and tear each other to pieces and yet at the same time we claim our allegiance to Christ. Our actions must grieve God and the Holy Spirit and the adversary wins as we become tools in his hands.
Your final sentence is haunting...
"No wonder so many hate the church"... the church is each of us... what a sad commentary... when we are to be lights to the world
"If We Are The Body" - Casting Crowns
It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girl's teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way
A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgemental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road
Jesus payed much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ
Jesus is the way
This song has moved me to tears, more than once. Sadly, your observations are true and many suffer and leave the body because of 'Christians'. Trust me, when I say, that it takes a very long time to rebuild the trust that should just be a given amongst His people.
Everie Church, Your comments gave me reason to pause and reflect. What set me off on my rant was not an anonymous post as you will have already figured out by trying to post on my blog. Someone had used our church prayer site to post a false prayer request and spread a lie. I found it very offensive. Isn't there a verse in the bible that says that God protects the reputation of the righteous man? I will stop next time God calls me to give a word to someone and reflect on whether I am doing so in love or if I am bullying. Thank you for that insight.
Post a Comment