I’m sure you’re like myself and wondering why there is yet another post about Phil Robertson, Duck Dynasty, and the A&E controversy. Hasn’t it all been said? Haven’t extremists from both sides come out and pranced around defending their beliefs while in some cases ripping people’s names and reputations apart? Well rest easy, I have nothing to add to those sentiments. I do however want to offer some thoughts brought on by this controversy and many that seem to creep up in our culture.
Where should Christians find themselves when controversy comes knocking? Often the answer is right smack dab in the middle. But is that where our efforts should be? Should we really set up camp around these issues and fight to the death in hopes for a victor to arise? I’m starting to think not. Now before you gasp in shock and feel I might have replaced my stance and beliefs with some watered down version in an effort to not offend my fellow man, fear not. My list of beliefs and values, that I feel are backed by what the Bible says, go on as far as the day is long, even down to the type of mayonnaise you should use. (Okay, so maybe not the mayo part, ha!) Beliefs that I could debate you on up, down, and sideways until you and I are blue in the face. My father is a very black or white issue kind of man and for better or for worse, I seem to have adopted that stance as well. And while there is a time for the you’re either right or wrong, or you’re either for me or against me mantra; I’d say to save it for the battlefield. Yes, I do agree that there is a spiritual war in our country, but I feel like we are arming our cannons with the wrong ammo.
(Photo from The Passion of the Christ movie)
Instead of jumping on the controversy bandwagon, I’d like to suggest an alternative. Focus on Jesus. It’s as simple as that. Don’t work so hard to shine light on others’ sins, but lead them to Jesus and let Him do the work. It’s like taking advice from a pee wee football player when you could be listening to an NFL player. (Except I clearly wouldn’t listen to the Cowboys because let’s face it, that’s a sad, sad story.) We are human, we mess up, and we also have a sinful nature. With that said, sometimes the heart of the issue gets lost in translation by the delivery. Get what I’m saying? One thing is certain though, if we allow Jesus to work in others’ hearts instead of us, He will never fail on delivery. He IS and WAS perfect. Who better to change someone’s heart? Friends we could repel the very people who need Jesus the most (Well don’t we all?!) by harping on issues or taking sides like we are the judge, jury, and executioner. I for one am thankful that that is not my job.
Lead them to the cross, show them who He was (and IS), and how much He loves them. You should love them something fierce too. Hate or the appearance of hate changes nothing, but love…now that is a game changer right there. Live your life being Jesus to everyone you encounter. Not the tossing tables Jesus in the temple, but the Jesus who protected the adulterous woman. Love them, don’t change them. It’s not your job, it’s God’s. And He is fully equipped for the challenge.
Amen!
I am definitely a fan of the ‘Let he who is without sin cast the first stone’ Bible verse. It keeps me in check during times when I find myself judging others. A lot of times, we as Christians get caught up trying to point to the finger at others and how they live in effort to make their sins seem worst than our own. At the end of the day, we all fall short and need to worry about our own sins. We also need to learn to love the sinner, not the sin.
Jesus worked hard to teach the disciples that. And I’m working hard to teach my children that. Not everyone will live the life we think they should, but that doesn’t mean you’re rude, disrespectful or look down on them. They’re God’s children all the same.
Beautifully and simply said. Yes.
Wonderfully said!…