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Makes me sad: "Christians" (ETA: a disclaimer)
- May 8, 2009 at 10:50 AM
- By
- Comments (10) Total Views (278) Everyone can see this journal post.
Edited to Add a Disclaimer: This post is for those who are CHRISTIAN, not those of others faiths. It is not intended to condemn anyone, or to imply that I am perfect. I am struggling with being a Christian of integrity day in and day out myself. I hope that those who felt singled out will forgive me, and I APOLOGIZE for causing that offense. I wish I had been able to share this without making some Christians upset.
I've got to admit it, I'm shocked. Kind of appalled. And most definitely sad and worried.
I've been reading several posts by women who were enraged by the assumption made by "evangelicals" that the National Day of Prayer is a Christian day/event. They are shocked and appalled that Christians would have the gall, the narrow-mindedness, or the pride to declare that only the prayers of Christians are heard by God, or to insinuate that other religions are not just as right as Christianity. They are outraged at the exclusivity promoted by such thoughts and the prejudicial nature of the implications made.
I'm shocked, appalled, sad, and worried because a lot of the voices that expressed these opinions claim to be Christians.
How is it that one can claim to be a Christian (it's very name intimating the nature of the choice: to be saved and dedicated to Christ), and yet not embrace the words of God? John 14:6 clearly says (and this is Jesus speaking): I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life ... no one comes to the Father (God) BUT THROUGH ME. That means that it's not through Allah, through Buddha, through the goddess, or through any other religion. I am not debating with anyone of a separate faith about the validity of their beliefs; I am merely asking CHRISTIANS why they are bothered by accepting wholeheartedly the truth presented by CHRIST.
I understand those who are against political support coming from the White House, or those who are upset that it is even hoped for by Christians. Or those who are upset that Christians are disappointed that the White House did not show support. It is becoming abundantly clear that in the hearts of many, this is no longer one nation under God but rather one nation creating its own gods. I don't agree, but I do understand.
However, don't be upset at Christians who truly believe in Christ and the inerrancy of the Bible speaking out. When you've disagreed with past presidents, have you not voiced your opinion? One of the beauties of living in the United States of America is in having the right to a political opinion, a religious choice, and a lifestyle decision. No one will have 100% of the support offered by 100% of the people. Because of where we live, however, each group of people from each and every walk of life, have been given a platform by which to voice their opinions, showcase their beliefs, and live their lives. Why is it that when Christians exercise these rights they are debased, but when people from other walks of life march or speak up for their causes it is supported as a beautiful expression of the freedom found in America?
Those who declare themselves Christians, who know the truth and recognize without a doubt the sovereignty of God and the inerrancy of the Bible, have the responsibility to live their faith in such a way that everyone who meets them knows, or at least has been introduced to, Jesus Christ the Lord. If you are truly a Christian, then someone knowing you and not knowing who your God is, is inexcusable. Our purpose, as set forth in Matthew 28:19 is to Go into ALL the world and Preach the Gospel ... baptizing them in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Word that is shared is the Bible, the God who is shared is the one true God.
If someone is not saved, they have no right by which to enter heaven. Do not misinterpret this to say that God doesn't love us all or doesn't want everyone to go to heaven. God loves everyone. God loves the entire world! John 3:16 says so. However, God has also given each person the ability to choose what path he/she will walk, and what decisions they will make. Because of this, there is much out there that leads people away from the Bible and the truth. As Christians, we should love our friends and family and have the heart of God and share with them that God loves them and desires them to become His children. We do this so that they, too, might spend their lives and eventual eternities with God, and not in hell.
To do this, we must step out of our cozy little comfort zones and not worry about who might be offended or think differently about us; we must stand up for our faith and live it loudly. This does not mean speak it loudly; our lifestyles are the best example of Christ's love that we can offer. This might mean doing things that are not normal or comfortable to reach someone else. The Apostle Paul recognized this when he said, I have become all things to all men that by all means I might win some (1 Corinthians 9:22).
- Charles Spurgeon said: Paul’s great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he would have men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact, saved. Have our Christian labours been aimed at anything below this great point? Then let us amend our ways, for of what avail will it be at the last great day to have taught and moralized men if they appear before God unsaved?
It's not the debate over the National Day of Prayer that has me concerned so much as the response of Christians to it. I hope it's not a commentary on the condition of faith in our nation today. I had wanted to wrtie this yesterday, but decided not to. Then, this morning, I thought "Why not?" If those opposed can speak up so loudly and strongly in just about every forum on CM, why can't I stand up for what I believe in? I am doing it in a journal on my own homepage rather than starting a debate in a group discussion, but I still want to point out some things. I hope that my opinion will be treated with respect and that those who have nothing nice to say will refrain from saying anything at all (please tell me I'm not deluding myself!).
Comments:
Very well written. I agree with you one hundred percent.
Great journal post. I for one am glad you decided to write it. I for one am convicted. Much here, and I thank you for speaking the truth.
I think that the National Day of Prayer is great. As Christians we should pray every day, so we shouldn't really need a day set aside for that purpose, but I can see where it is a reminder for us all to take the time for concentrated prayer and to have a time for 'one accord' prayer as well.
I understand what you are saying, but I do think it is presumptuous of Christians to believe that the Nationl Day of Prayer is solely for us. We aren't the only religion who prays.
I truly believe in the inerrancy of the bible and that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, but not everyone does. They have a right to pray to their god just as much as I do to mine.
I guess I might be one of those Christians that you are miffed at. I really try to life my faith every day and be a witness in that way. I believe my prayers are heard without the endorsement of the US government.
I have always thought the National Day of Prayer was just what it implies. I have never thought it was only for Christians. It's for anyone who prays.
Okay, this has gotten to where I reallly prayed it wouldn't go. I genuinely wanted to share this because it is something that God continually convicts me of and reminds me of, and I think that sometimes we all need to be reminded that although we live in this world, it's okay to not be like it and not be politically correct or embrace every mindset so as not to hurt others.
Kim and Carrie, I appreciate your opinion. And as I said, I'm not arguing with any one voice. Carrie, yours was not even the the starting place for this. I had this in a draft in my blog queu for about two weeks when I finally decided to pull it out and start editing it. The sheer quantity of Christians that spoke out against Shirley Dobson's coalition of the NDOP's hopes was what turned the page. I read (are you ready for this?) over 23 posts and journals between CM and the blogging world that I love to peruse that were angry about evangelical Christians standing up for their faith. I was astounded! They have been described as "right wing fundamentalists", "narrow minded", and even (in one post that hurt me on a personal level, as I knew that this is what I believe) as being "foolish enough to take everything the Bible says at face value."
It's not about the National Day of Prayer. It never was. It's about Christians who won't take a stand for their beliefs. It's for ME!
I have friends ... very close and dear friends who are a regular part of our family and our lives ... who are not Christians. Do I believe they never will be? No, not at all. I pray for them to see the Truth that they need God. Do I think it's my job to convict them? No, not once. I know, however, that it is my responsibility to live up to the standards God has set for me and to let my life be my witness. They will see, even through my faults, that God loves them when I live the way God has commanded me to in the Bible.
And yes, I will say that without a doubt, that anyone who doesn't believe the truth of the Bible is deceived. And unless or until they call on the name of God just like that thief on the cross, or Saul on the way to Damascus, or myself at my point of desperate need, that they do not know Him or His truth. We are all sinners (Rom 3:23) and we all deserve death (Rom 6:23), but by the grace of God we are given the salvation none of us deserve (Ephesians 2:8). However, we are all given the opportunity to recognize our sin, repent of it, and call on God for salvation (Romans 10:9, 1 John 1:9, John 3:16).
You know, it's possible to love everyone and still not agree with their lifestyle choices. I have family members who have been in some pretty bad patches, but I love them. I have friends that I've had to visit in rehab, and although I hate drug abuse for what it does to the victim and their families, I can still love the person who takes the drugs. Likewise I have friends and family members who are Wiccan, Jehovah Witnesses, Muslim, agnostic, and even atheists. I embrace them all and love them all. I have friends with alternative lifestyles, some who are against what they call "church people", and still others who are just plain crazy (they know who they are, and they love me even though I'm normal!). The point is, that even though I love them, it is possible for me to pray that they will see the truth. It is still possible for me to let them know that if they need help, I am there, and I will pray with them. When they stand before God one day, it will be between them and God to determine their heart and where their eternity will be spent. However, God will not be able to say to me that I did not stand for the truth and that the people in my life never got a glimpse of Him.
I am so sorry that someone was personally offended, as this was not the goal. I love the group that you mentioned, and the variety of opinions in it. I don't agree with all of them, and I'm sure not everyone agrees with me. That's why this was posted here, and not in there as a vent to everything else I've read on line.
YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!1 I thank God for a true beliver standing solely on the uncompromising word of God to speak the truth in Love not willing to please men but God. God bless you sis!! Not everyone will receive what you are saying but stand strong in the Lord , for he is greatly to be praised!
A message inspired by the Holy spirit
You felt how you feel, no matter is someone made you feel this way or not. Us Christians should be the ones supporting you. Even the one who upset you. There is nothing wrong with voicing your feelings. And most people are capable to taking critism. I myself am a Christian and I was not offended. I could actually relate to some of it. I still love you sister.
Thank you ladies ... all of you! ... for those who commented here, in other groups, and via PM.
Here's an excerpt from the actual National Day of Prayer Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln:
"Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the supreme authority and just government of the Almighty God in all the affairs of men and of nations has by a resolution requested the president to designate and set apart a day for national prayer and humiliation.
And whereas, it is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God: to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon: and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord:"
He says "holy Scriptures" which I believe refers to the Bible. My assumption then is that this National Day of Prayer is meant for Christians.
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Meet Dodie702
This Nevada mom of two - who are just 18 months apart! - is married to her high school sweetheart and loves to craft in her free time.
"How is it that one can claim to be a Christian (it's very name intimating the nature of the choice: to be saved and dedicated to Christ), and yet not embrace the words of God? John 14:6 clearly says (and this is Jesus speaking): I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life ... no one comes to the Father (God) BUT THROUGH ME. That means that it's not through Allah, through Buddha, through the goddess, or through any other religion. I am not debating with anyone of a separate faith about the validity of their beliefs; I am merely asking CHRISTIANS why they are bothered by accepting wholeheartedly the truth presented by CHRIST. "
Wow, Lisa. This should pierce the heart of every Christian to get their behinds in gear and start walking the walk. I know it spoke to me.
*standing ovation* Well done.
- hepmommy
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