Then I met Jesus in a new way. I realized I was misrepresenting Him and His kingdom.
Instead of reforming some of my practices, I completely converted and swung to the other side of the pendulum. I was accepting of everyone, never pointed out bad behavior, and apologized for the more difficult scriptures. I condoned things that were destructive and evil.
Then I met Jesus in a new way. I realized I was misrepresenting Him and His kingdom.
Now I am finding a balance between rebuke and mercy. I feel like my equilibrium has been reached. I reached this balance when I realized it has NOTHING to do with me and has EVERYTHING to do with Jesus.
You can believe anything you want. I mean that! You can choose to love someone of the same sex, you can terminate your pregnancy, and you can exploit women. You can claim this is acceptable and moral. You can preach it to the world. You can claim you are the most righteous person in your class, you can say you are without sin, and you can say you are setting the standard for righteousness. You can believe anything you want.
Except when you decide that Jesus must share your view. It is in that moment that you are misrepresenting Christ. You have a right to be conservative or liberal. You have a choice; you have always had a choice. But, acceptance crosses the line when you misrepresent Christ and His message. The Bible says we are ambassadors for Christ. If we falsify His message, we are leading others astray.
America is polite and accepting. Every American has the right to believe whatever they want. But, if you try to fit Jesus into your view and it doesn't match up, don't claim to be His mouth piece. Simply accept that you disagree with Jesus and plan to live your own life. You have the right to free speech. You have the right to not be slandered or misrepresented. Jesus has that same right. His word is His word. He has a right to be rigid and forgiving. We can't persuade him to stay within our perception if He dislikes our perception.
3 comments:
very well stated, we must know the difference between what we believe in, and what Jesus Christ actually taught.
Wow, this is really good-thanks Tamara-I have learned many things from reading what you write-you have a special gift and you are a special gift!
i don't know if you're familiar with the christian artist jennifer knapp, but she became a sort of hero for me when she came out a little while ago. obviously this didn't go over too well with some people, and she was on larry king with a pastor who had been particularly vocal about his disapproval. here's what she said to him.
Jennifer Knapp: I have spiritual leadership in my life. The Pastoral council of those who are dear to me, who understand the scripture as sacred text –
Pastor Bob: I don’t think they do Jen–
Jennifer: Do not interrupt me. You are not that man in my life.
Pastor Bob: I agree — I am not saying that I am your spiritual authority–
Jennifer Knapp: But you do not know me, and you don’t have the right to speak to me in the manner in which you have publicly.
i loved what jen said. both she, and the people she went to about spiritual matters, were able to come to grips with her sexuality in the context of her faith-- as many people are able to do with some of the things that mainstream christianity perhaps doesn't believe in. maybe we can't be someone else's spiritual authority. maybe we can just be our own and trust whatever god is doing in someone else's life.
- anne
Post a Comment