Click image for source article! Lance is an acquaintance of mine and here is an article in Charisma News in which I shared through our Facebook. It's because we are called to be salt and light and yet, in my opinion, many ministers today use a feigned wisdom that is merely a thinly veiled mask for fear.
This is why they avoid addressing anything that is controversial. I've chosen a different way. I purposely share controversial topics in order to demonstrate how God's word shapes my attitude and response to these things. Oh on earth will we disciple nations if the Church avoids the controversies affecting nations?
I'm not alone in this thinking. There are in fact many relatively UNKNOWN ministers who do. I highlight that to bring to light another aspect of this problem.
Let me be clear. It's not just the minister's fault! It's the people who "love" the message that makes life easier for them. Not all, but many, have become quite popular with large followings. The message of the cross is lost in a veiled sense of wisdom that teaches people a twisted view of love that is actually conflict avoidance.
In the video associated with this article Lance shares that he has wondered why the Church, referring to its leaders, seem to have fallen silent since the election of Trump. They are not addressing any of the moral issues, confronting corruption nor addressing lies. He shared some of the notes he took listening to some of our friends sermons. This provides the context for my comments on Facebook which I've shared below.
My post on Facebook
I have some of the same friends Lance does and with regard to the 2nd point he makes, I have seen and agree with his conclusion. One of my friends in ministry (well known, popular in a certain segment) said this on numerous occasions both privately and in settings where other ministers/pastors were being addressed publicly. He said:
"I have both Democrats and Republicans in my congregation therefore there are certain issues we avoid."
My thought's always been, so what? What does a person's party affiliation have to do with the Truth we are charged to present.
This is why I have actually chosen to model something different over the last number of years because "you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free." This is why:
This is why they avoid addressing anything that is controversial. I've chosen a different way. I purposely share controversial topics in order to demonstrate how God's word shapes my attitude and response to these things. Oh on earth will we disciple nations if the Church avoids the controversies affecting nations?
I'm not alone in this thinking. There are in fact many relatively UNKNOWN ministers who do. I highlight that to bring to light another aspect of this problem.
Let me be clear. It's not just the minister's fault! It's the people who "love" the message that makes life easier for them. Not all, but many, have become quite popular with large followings. The message of the cross is lost in a veiled sense of wisdom that teaches people a twisted view of love that is actually conflict avoidance.
In the video associated with this article Lance shares that he has wondered why the Church, referring to its leaders, seem to have fallen silent since the election of Trump. They are not addressing any of the moral issues, confronting corruption nor addressing lies. He shared some of the notes he took listening to some of our friends sermons. This provides the context for my comments on Facebook which I've shared below.
My post on Facebook
I have some of the same friends Lance does and with regard to the 2nd point he makes, I have seen and agree with his conclusion. One of my friends in ministry (well known, popular in a certain segment) said this on numerous occasions both privately and in settings where other ministers/pastors were being addressed publicly. He said:
"I have both Democrats and Republicans in my congregation therefore there are certain issues we avoid."
My thought's always been, so what? What does a person's party affiliation have to do with the Truth we are charged to present.
This is why I have actually chosen to model something different over the last number of years because "you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free." This is why:
- I will & have expressed opinions about current issues and apply God's word to demonstrate how I came to my conclusions. Why? Because to enjoy the benefits of truth requires the truth to be applied. Application requires communication first for as the scripture says, how will they hear without a preacher (Rom 10:14).
- I have purposely chose to model a different example. It's because of the deception that basically communicates conflict avoidance is equated to Christ likeness.
It is true, the scripture says we are to be peace makers. it is true the scripture says we are to be ministers of reconciliation. It is also true in Mathew 10 that Jesus says there will be conflict and a man's enemies will be those of his own household. It is true that Jesus said the world hated him and will hate you because you speak the truth John 15. It is true that the scripture says we are to speak the truth in love.
While I may not have always accomplished that, speaking the truth in love has been my goal. I absolutely marvel at how many of my minister friends totally avoid the conflicts of this day because they want to be liked or, worse, they are concerned if they speak the truth, they might lose a ...... tither! And that my friends, is what I find is primarily the underlying issue with most.
In my opinion, its a feigned sense of wisdom that is actually masking fear.
Love does not avoid issues. Rather love motivates to set people free like Abraham was motivated to go, fight and deliver Lot and His family when they were taken captive.
I am praying for others who'll choose to join me in "speaking the truth" in love (applying the wisdom of God's word) as it pertains to issues in:
Church - Business - Government - Media - Education - Healthcare & the Family
RSS Feed