"This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it"

Friday, September 17, 2010

Will Christians ever learn?

The recent Koran burning threat is just another example of how some Christians have lost touch with their Redeemer. When are Christians going to start acting like Christ? I'm not exempt, I include myself in that too.

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Matt 5:9. We are to be salt and light in the world. We are to love our enemies, and pray for those who despitefully use us. We are not to resist evil people. We are to turn the other cheek. We are to give to the needy in secret, and forgive so we can be forgiven. We are not to store up treasures on earth, but in heaven. We're not to love the world, but love God, no one can serve two masters. We are not to worry. We are to trust in God for our provision.We are to seek God and His righteousness and all we need will be given to us. We are not to judge others, for we will be judged by the same measure we give out.

Matt 7:12 says: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. For this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

In Romans 12-13 we're told to be law-abiding upstanding citizens. We are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. " Love does no harm to its neighbor.Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Love must be sincere. We are to hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

 Honor one another above ourselves. Never lack in zeal, but keep our spiritual fervor in serving the LORD. We're to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need, and practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute us and not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another, not being proud or conceited. Live at peace with one another as much as it is possible. Do not take revenge, let God handle it. If your enemy is hungry feed him, if thirsty give him a drink. Overcome evil with good...

That's enough for now. It's certainly not an exhaustive list. I'm already feeling more than convicted of my own shortcomings. How many people do you know that measure up to this?

 Maybe if we did, people would feel welcomed in our churches. Maybe if we did, we wouldn't be threatening to burn someone else's holy book. Maybe if we did, people would take us seriously and see that Jesus is really who He claimed to be...
We don't live in a theocracy. What if we just spread the Gospel, and let the Holy Spirit do what only He can do best ....

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."  Romans 12 : 18