Post by Mark on Nov 17, 2008 6:36:18 GMT -8
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
(John 15:19)
This text has always bothered me, growing up in a Christian home, surrounded by people who care for me. Even the godless folk, who happened across my life in various ways and at various times, at worst, never paid me any mind. Though there are several denominations of Christianity and various conflicting theological perspectives, we all seem to get along just fine- often colaboring in various projects and ministries. That was, until I decided to seek a consistent interpretation of the Scriptures, believing that the Old Testament commands are as important and applicable to my life as the New Testament. Suddenly, sweet little old ladies that used to give my children candy avoid me at the grocery store. Pastors and Church leaders spread rumors about me and my family. Any good word is responded to with aggression and hostility.
I used to think that it was just me. I do have this nature of rubbing people the wrong way. Yet, over and over, I am brought into contact with people from all over the world who have come to a conviction that
is the way of righteousness, who are seeking refuge from the Church that they once considered their own kind.
Suddenly, I understand. The Christianity that is so strongly promoted in our society today is an understanding that is built on human principles and understanding. It has built its empire in this world and has made this world its own. To open the Word of God with a sense of authority that is superior to the doctrines of the Church is a declaration of war.
Messiah tells us that a key sign that we are on the right track is that the world will be out to get us.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
(Matthew 5:10-12)
The Greek word diako means "to put to flight". Those who are contrary to a life of righteousness are actively seeking to destroy it. It was always in my mind that, if I am having a life that is unencumbered, then I must not be doing something right. Messiah told us that they would hate us.
What shocked me was to find where the aggression has come from. It is not the godless or unreligious that is seeking our destruction. It is the Christian Church. It is the ones who have been telling us for years, "Jesus loves us just the way we are and we should all live in harmony together," who are now saying, "If you believe in a way that exposes me as a sinner, then you are my enemy."
It’s worth taking a minute to guage where we stand in our community, as loved by the world or not. It’s important to take an account and ask ourselves if there is anyone against us and why this might be so.
I look at the Christian Churches and find them to be thriving, uninhibited, even blessed and funded by the non-religious community around them. If the godless of this world are offering me money, I’m going to get a little uncomfortable. This tells me that I am not seeing the signs of being on the path that Messiah warned me about. If they are out to get me, while I’m not exactly thrilled with the idea of it, it is a relief to know that I am seeing the landmarks that Messiah had told me would be along the way. I’m on the right track.
(John 15:19)
This text has always bothered me, growing up in a Christian home, surrounded by people who care for me. Even the godless folk, who happened across my life in various ways and at various times, at worst, never paid me any mind. Though there are several denominations of Christianity and various conflicting theological perspectives, we all seem to get along just fine- often colaboring in various projects and ministries. That was, until I decided to seek a consistent interpretation of the Scriptures, believing that the Old Testament commands are as important and applicable to my life as the New Testament. Suddenly, sweet little old ladies that used to give my children candy avoid me at the grocery store. Pastors and Church leaders spread rumors about me and my family. Any good word is responded to with aggression and hostility.
I used to think that it was just me. I do have this nature of rubbing people the wrong way. Yet, over and over, I am brought into contact with people from all over the world who have come to a conviction that
is the way of righteousness, who are seeking refuge from the Church that they once considered their own kind.Suddenly, I understand. The Christianity that is so strongly promoted in our society today is an understanding that is built on human principles and understanding. It has built its empire in this world and has made this world its own. To open the Word of God with a sense of authority that is superior to the doctrines of the Church is a declaration of war.
Messiah tells us that a key sign that we are on the right track is that the world will be out to get us.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
(Matthew 5:10-12)
The Greek word diako means "to put to flight". Those who are contrary to a life of righteousness are actively seeking to destroy it. It was always in my mind that, if I am having a life that is unencumbered, then I must not be doing something right. Messiah told us that they would hate us.
What shocked me was to find where the aggression has come from. It is not the godless or unreligious that is seeking our destruction. It is the Christian Church. It is the ones who have been telling us for years, "Jesus loves us just the way we are and we should all live in harmony together," who are now saying, "If you believe in a way that exposes me as a sinner, then you are my enemy."
It’s worth taking a minute to guage where we stand in our community, as loved by the world or not. It’s important to take an account and ask ourselves if there is anyone against us and why this might be so.
I look at the Christian Churches and find them to be thriving, uninhibited, even blessed and funded by the non-religious community around them. If the godless of this world are offering me money, I’m going to get a little uncomfortable. This tells me that I am not seeing the signs of being on the path that Messiah warned me about. If they are out to get me, while I’m not exactly thrilled with the idea of it, it is a relief to know that I am seeing the landmarks that Messiah had told me would be along the way. I’m on the right track.
