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Christianity was supposed to be about becoming like Jesus. | |
We went in the wrong direction. |
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Being an Offensive Christian
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| We live at a time
when almost everyone gets “triggered” by something. For the unsaved,
Christians are supposed to “stink” (2Cor 2:14-16). However, we are told
not to give offense to Jews, gentiles, or other Christians (1Cor
10:32). Since Christians are called the “body of Christ”, we might be
able to see in how Jesus conducted himself an example of of not giving
an offense. We are told that Jesus exercised restraint (Matt 12:19-20). However, Jesus was plain spoken (John 8:44). Jesus did demonstrate anger when he saw the house of God trashed (John 2:17). However, we do not have the ministry that Jesus had (dying on the cross or offering the kingdom to Israel). We can see that prior to his return in wrath and judgment, he conducted himself in simple truth. This was considered offensive to the scribes, Pharisees, and religious leaders because they saw an obvious threat to the religious system they were working. In the movie Serpico a new police patrolman was introduced to the graft and corruption that was in common practice. He did not participate himself and those that were corrupt saw his lack of participation as an offense. This brings an interesting perspective to the process of being offended. We are told not to “give” offense rather than to make sure no one is offended. Sadly Christians are often offended by each other. This can be the result of denominational differences (which are a sign of immaturity, 1Cor 3:3). However, differences of any kind are often the basis for offense. Just because someone is offended does not mean that the supposed offender has done anything wrong. Christians should be able to tell the difference between someone who spits in your face (offensive) as opposed to saying something you disagree with. If one is offended by hearing something they do not like, the offense would seem to originate within them as opposed to inflicted on them by another. One might call this self-offended. In addition to the confusion in often being unable to differentiate real offense from self generated offense, there is also the problem of trying to control others. Some feel that if they can silence someone who they feel is saying something “wrong” then they are acting for God. This is the perspective of the jihadist. Paul tells us to bear with the weaker brother (Rom 14:21). Sadly, weaker brothers hardly ever consider that they are the “weaker” ones. For this reason one may wish to remain silent when being “instructed” by one who is less mature, knowledgeable, or correct than he thinks. Sharing may be better reserved for those who have enough honest humility to inquire, consider, and remain dispassionate. As Christians we can offend others through character deficiencies such as pride using mockery, ridicule, or self-righteousness. We can speak authoritatively out of ignorance. We can even speak truth but use it coercively against those who are not interested. Christians can be less offensive when offering to explain what they know should someone be interested rather than condemning others as “sinners". Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. - Romans 12:14-18 |
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