For The Zealots Among Us . . .

Personally, I am literally amazed at the vindictive mean spirited attacks that some Christians launch against those with whom they disagree, theologically.

Let me give you a couple of examples, not every Muslim I know is full of the devil and consciously in a secret conspiracy to undermine our democracy.

Some are, that’s for sure; however, throwing a big blanket over the whole community and Talibanizing them as just more of the same in not only wrong but unwise. It is wrong because it is not true, and unwise because it quickly ostracizes someone for whom Christ died and longs to see become members of His Kingdom.

Here’s another one. Catholicism for sure is not Protestantism; however, that doesn’t just ipso facto make Catholics target for a zealous fundamentalist righteous indignation. Why should it? The scripture clearly states,

“A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

Yet, some in their unholy outrage tend to ignore that good advice and opt for God’s role. And, play it they do. They blast every sinner within driving distance of the church and put such fear into them that they dare not expose themselves to such hostility even if they have a Godly interest in attending church some Sunday.

Sure practicing gays, married or unmarried are on their way to perdition—at least in the Bible I read; but so are adulterers, and fornicators, along with cheats, swindlers, pedophiles, and … woops … gluttons. However, I have never felt that it was my job or that of my fellow Christians to stuff those that practice such things into a gunny sack, tie the top and drop them into the fiery furnaces of Hell. My job is to rescue them from that awful fate, and attacking them will not do that. It will only push them farther away from the Kingdom.

Now, I am not so naïve to say that every Fundamentalist, Conservative or Evangelical that I know is guilty of dishing out God’s wrath before His time; however, unfortunately quite a few seem to be itching to do so.

Relax, I say to them, the world is going to Hell in a hand basket. We all know that. Men and women on the whole are not getting any better—and, of course, that goes for governments also. North Korean President Kim Jong-un may die tomorrow, but someone else just a terrible is ready to step in tomorrow. The same goes for any other dictator as we have seen all the way from the likes of Saddam Hussein to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, not to mention a host of others. So,

If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone. (1 Corinthians 15:19 HCSB)

Really! Yes, really. So, instead of fuming and fussing, we should all take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christ’s admonition when he said,

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

If we spent as much time praying as we do fuming and fussing over things that are bigger than all of us combined and start praying over these formidable obstacles and turning our concerns over to a God that is big enough to handle them the world as well as the rest of us would be a whole lot better off.

This is not escapism, either; nor is it shirking our Christian responsibility to do something to make the world a better place by offering Christ as the answer to these frightful potentialities. It is a simple act of obedience. Pray always is.

So, the next time we get the urge to tell that gay or lesbian couple that moved in next door go straight to “you know where” we should step back and take a deep breath and pray for them. Their gayness is too big for us to handle anyway. So why don’t we just relax and pray for them and a little wisdom on how to witness to them. The same goes for that Muslim or Buddhist or Hindu, and yes even a nominal Christian, too.

Now, I wish to close with these words written by Paul some two-thousand years ago,

I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all; the testimony to be borne in its own times; whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing. (1 Timothy 2:1-8 ASV)

Pretty good advice. And, believe me, it works.

Yours For A Greater End Time Harvest,

P.S. Please continue to pray for and support our ministry in the former Soviet Union and in Southern Asia.