Is This What It's Come To?
Right now, I am doing some of the hardest things that can possibly be done in 2016: I am being a white man in a time of feminism and violent race protesters, I am a college student, and most importantly, I AM a Christian. Why is is that Christians feel the need to make people's lives harder. Now, I know what you're thinking. "Not all Christians are this way, how dare you?" However, we both know that if we're having a mature conversation, I should never have to describe that I don't mean all Christians- this is common sense.
Before you get riled up and pull out the dusty, old soapbox from your closet, take the humble seat and listen to what myself, as well as many Christians think about "professional Christians". For six years now, I have been a loyal and dedicated Christian, declaring my life for the glory of God, and using my skills to preach in his church and spread the gospel. Then I realized something. There was another understanding of scripture that is more biblical than the one I held true to. This is NOT to say that I think that those who don't believe like me are right, but I am fully saying that I found flaw in my own thinking, and came closer to what I believe the correct interpretation of scripture is.
If you're a true Christian, you would congratulate me. You would be happy that in my studies, I was able to lay my comfort and pride aside and transition to a doctrine that I knew would make me hated within most of my fellowship, which I will not name. However, in my time of transition, I haven't received any kind words, but fountains spewing judgement. This only comes from ignorance, so I forgive them, and I apologize as I know that God hasn't decided to let them understand quite yet (Romans 9:18). What do you receive from spraying your judgement? Well, I will assert that you have lost the blessing of God, as I see the biblical example of helping a brother out of sin in Galatians 6:1-10. Why do I think you've lost the blessing of God? Anyone who condemns a brother isn't going to Heaven (Matthew 7:1-6, Matthew 5:22). Matthew 5:22b says "and whoever says 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire." The man who passes judgement on a brother receives that same kind of judgement. But why? Matthew 18:15-20 completely states why: if you have two or more brothers binding something on earth, it will be bound in Heaven. If you give this condemnation, you will be bound as well.
There is a certain preacher who has made quite the impression on my life until about a year ago. Slowly, I watched as he stopped preaching the Bible, and started preaching a false, hateful agenda towards a group of people IN THE CHURCH who hold opposing views. As I began to transition to this group, I was told my loyalty is fickle. I don't take criticisms to this measure very lightly, so for weeks I pondered on his statement, and I came to the conclusion: anyone who doesn't know where your loyalties lie will shout fickle if you don't please their needs, so they complain and backbite as though they were still baby Christians who can't be trusted with solid food; only milk. I told him, my loyalty isn't fickle, you just weren't aware that I'm not loyal to your ministry, I'm loyal to God, and God alone, as it should be for all Christians. As the conversation proceeded, our friendship ceased. He shot attacks at me, and sadly I shot attacks back, just as Peter cut the ear of Malchus. I still accept him as a brother in Christ, so I apologized. He ignored this apology. He insulted my apology, and never took responsibility for his sin, never apologized, and his pride puffed up. I asked him a while later if he would like to sit down over coffee and discuss our differences. He said it's his obligation to meet with me, so as long as I visit his site and read every article concerning this topic, he would meet with me. If I didn't, neither would he meet with me.
What kind of men do we allow in our pulpits? Unfortunately, this man is one of many that allowed the power of being a pastor/preacher go to his head. What kind of man can point me to a blog instead of having a meaningful conversation with his brother? If he thinks my stance is wrong, then so be it. Show me scripture. Show me God's words telling me I'm wrong, and by all means, I will follow God whether I like it or not. Now, it may seem like I've wandered from the topic, but here's my point: this "man of God" wouldn't take the time to correct his brother as the Bible commands, but decided to hate, as is the antithesis of scripture. Christians are supposed to help and serve other Christians. When they don't, and to the extreme, if they act like this man, they make life harder for the Christian, especially a younger one. Have you ever wondered why 70% of young people between the ages of 18-22 leave the church? It's because the church acts like they've never tasted the goodness of Christ! They live as though they've never known his glory, and instead of teaching them, they shove doctrine down their throats. I remember my 5th grade teacher said at least twice a day "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time", and the same is true for the church. How can you teach someone about the righteous sufferings of Job if they still pronounce his name as if they just applied for it on Snagajob?
The next time you think about the disrespectful teenager or even Calvinist, ask yourself why they're the way they are, and if you have contributed to it. Someone once asked me why Calvinists seem like they're always the ones that are defensive and aggressive, and I responded with the following analogy. Puppies are cute and sweet, and bring a lot of joy to peoples lives, but sometimes, they get in the grasp of the wrong owner. The owner beats and batters on it, and when it grows up, it's a ferocious beast. This isn't a decision, this is instincts after being attacked. Why are many teenagers and Calvinists disrespectful? We want someone to treat us with the same respect as you would anyone else, and treat us like a Christian. If you don't, don't be surprised when they grow up to be ferocious.
Unfortunately, this is the direction of the church. I can't even make a single post on Facebook without ignorant interjections are placed in the comments. This is never how it was meant. Discuss scripture with complete regard of respecting it and not throwing quotes around like it was your favorite quote from 'The Fault in Our Stars'. Be a Christian, help a Christian. You may have rebuttal to this post, and that's easy when I'm insulting your traditional way of handling situations, but when dealing with brethren, treat them as such, with all patience, love, humility, and teaching. If the post seems aggressive, that's not my intention. To me, situations like with the preacher mentioned above have worn me out. I am weary. Forgive me for my wrongdoings, as Christ has also forgiven you. I'll do the same.
Sola Gratia!
Tracy McCann
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