Christians Can Just Be Plain Stupid At Times—Can’t We?

For some reason I am in a “list” mood this week. (Thanks for the responses from yesterday…I will try to post some of them later on—as well as any e-mails I may get concerning this post.)

Some of the most challenging verses in Scripture are found in John 13:34-35 where Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Ouch—every time I read that I am challenged—and not just intellectually—but in the deepest part of my soul. Jesus plainly said that people should be able to look at people who claim to be following Him and they should be identified by radical, outrageous love for one another.

Uh, yeah—I think we’ve done a good job at quoting this verse—but not necessarily applying it. In proving this point I would love to make a list of the dumbest things that Christians fight over. These are things I have either personally witnessed and/or been involved with—here we go…

#1 - The version of Scripture that MUST be used.

You might think I am kidding—but this one is SERIOUS—there are websites dedicated to the “King James Only” argument—and they are serious—they claim, “If it was good enough for the apostle Paul then its good enough for me!”

And then there are websites dedicated to tearing down the KJV. WHAT? People—do you REALLY think God cares? Do you REALLY think He is bothered by someone picking up the NIV or The Message?

But we will fight about this—with thousands around us that could die and go to hell—we wage war on the version of Scripture. I had a friend tell me once of a class he was in at a school that will remain nameless where the teacher took an NIV Bible, spit in it—and then kicked it across the room…I am so sure God smiled!

#2 - Predestination verses Free Will

Oh my gosh! I remember a couple of years ago a front page article appearing in a local newspaper about the churches in the upstate that have SPLIT over this issue. I must say my heart was broken.

Now for me this is an incredibly fun discussion to be involved in…and I usually find out what a person believes and then will present the arguments for the other side—just because I can. I have studied the subject extensively and have came to the following conclusion—it doesn’t matter! I know that is blasphemy to some of the readers here…but I am serious—I will NOT argue with anyone over this matter to the point of ending a friendship.

I have very close friends who are incredibly smart on both sides of the issue—and I love them all dearly. I can’t, no, I won’t end a friendship with someone, nor will I bash another person or organization for what they believe on this matter.

Let me use an example here—how about John Piper. I have said it before—if I meet one more college student who reads a Piper book (or two) and thinks he is now the defender of predestination and wants to argue with people who are already in the kingdom I will throw up—ON THEM!

AND—if I meet one more person who criticizes John Piper for his stance and his teachings I will also vomit—on them. I highly respect Piper—the man has more intellectual knowledge in his pinkie than I have in my entire body—and he can defend his position on this with very convincing arguments.

However, he does not hate those who disagree with him! Seriously people—the Christian community has been fighting about this for hundreds of years—do you think you are going to be the ONE person who comes up with the ONE statement that is going to end the argument forever?

And do you think those who do not know Christ are drawn to Him when we hate other believers because they differ in theology?

#3 - The type of music used in a church service.

We’ve experienced this one first hand—from time to time we will have people say, “I like NewSpring—but I don’t like the worship.” My response is always, “Well—maybe the worship at NewSpring isn’t about you—maybe it’s about God—and maybe He likes it—just a thought!”

Some churches don’t use any music—they say it isn’t natural or Scriptural (and yet they have air conditioners and heaters—which are neither natural or Scriptural!)

Others use organs and pianos—some use an orchestra—and then some use a rock and roll style. (That’s my preference!) Do you think it matters to God? Can you play an evil note on the piano?

I once heard a pastor say that songs played in 4/4 time were evil…and yet when you pick up a hymnal many of the songs are in 4/4 time. WOW!

Once again—I think if you sing to the Lord—and you are singing your guts out—He likes it.

#4 - End Times Prophecy!

We are passionate about this because we don’t want to be Left Behind…

Sorry!

What is the deal? Jesus said that no one knows the time or date—JESUS said that…and so why do we spend so much time trying to figure it out? We do in depth studies on the book of Revelation—and that cracks me up! Revelation is not about end times—it’s about praise and worship and it basically says three things…

- Jesus is Lord
- You are NOT
- He is coming back

And I will not get caught up in this one—if He comes back today I’m ready…and it is my job to make sure that His message is introduced to as many people as possible so they will be ready to.

#5 - The Way The Bible Should Be Taught!

This one bothers me—BAD! There is a group out there that thinks the Bible should be taught line by line, verse by verse…and that is the ONLY way.

Don’t get me wrong—I LOVE teaching that way…it is easier for me to do so…but to call that type of teaching right and every other type of teaching wrong—isn’t that arrogant?

Where is the Biblical mandate to teach that way? I look at the teachings of Jesus—He didn’t teach line by line—but rather told stories and used modern illustrations to prove His point.

If someone wants to teach line by line—AWESOME—go for it—but don’t argue with others who don’t do it your way.

#6 - Whether or not to have services on Christmas Day when it falls on a Sunday…

Sorry—I had to do it! :-)

Folks—we are supposed to be known for our love for one another—period. I believe it is healthy for Christians to discuss differences in theology behind closed doors in an arena where Christ can be honored. We are challenged in Scripture to know what we believe and why we believe it. However, we cannot personally attack other people through newsletters and/or blogs because they simply do not share our beliefs on everything and then claim we are doing so because the LOVE of Christ forced us to.

(The only thing that Biblically needs to be confronted is when someone is in CLEAR violation of Scripture.)

Those are just my thoughts…any arguments that I missed?