Transcending Camps of Opinion
There are some issues that I seldom discuss, especially in the context of social media. I find our current culture at large intolerant of nuanced opinions. Anything less than unilateral agreement is labeled rather than understood. Forgive my disgruntled comments. I've grown weary of watching fruitless battles result in deeper encampments.
I love truth, and I love people. Understanding is a bridge between the two, and I can't build that bridge with labels. Perhaps most disheartening is the knowledge that the greatest offenders in these wars of controversy are the least aware and most prideful.
It is a frustrating thing to have an opinion that exists neither within nor between prominent camps. This is the lesser of two reasons why I haven't posted anything about recent SCOTUS rulings or battle colors associated with confederate states (save for comedic statements meant to lighten the mood at a very serious time). I've avoided commenting, because there is no room anyone that doesn't fit in a "camp." And, Jesus doesn't fit into a camp, because He is King.
“Jesus doesn’t fit into a camp, because He is King. ”
People want to know what I think about ________. Regardless of how I respond, someone will label me over an issue that is something far less important than the one thing thing I want to be known for: Jesus.
Controversy Gets in the way of Jesus
I want Jesus to be known, because he brings all things under submission to himself (1 Corinthians 15:27). Without Jesus there is no hope of overcoming sin (Ephesians 2:1-10) . My efforts to change people without Jesus serve only to frustrate everyone. On the other hand, Jesus changes everything. When people trust Jesus, they become more like Him. He begins a process of sanctification that replaces sin with righteousness and selfishness with sacrificial love.
Controversy usually in the way of Jesus.
Consider the conundrum we create when we are known for what we are against rather than Who we are for. The Cure for all the brokenness of this world is obscured by political posturing and corrupted pandering to the powers of this world.
This is not to say that Jesus followers should not be clear about His Truth as it relates to the issues of the day; it is to say that how we approach it should be fundamentally different than those who do not follow him.
Authority in Relationship rather than Power through Control
In the absence of Jesus, people put their hope in control. We seek control to feel safe. We make ourselves gods and do all we can to force obedience to what makes us feel safe. This is why the people of this world put hope in candidates, money, and religion. These are the things that give men power and control. They are the things this world hopes in.
Jesus calls us to trust rather than control. Fundamental to the gospel message is that I give up control and make Jesus my Lord (Romans 10:9-10).
“For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.”
Brothers, why do we seek the control the world seeks? Laws do not make followers of Jesus Christ. The Kingdoms of this earth will fail. They will fail at making disciples. They will fail at making free men. They will fail at all things and eventually cease to exist.
The Kingdom of God does not put its hope in the laws of men. Rather than fight for conformity through litigation let us seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Our church has been doing a study of the Gospel of John. One theme that continually arises is that the religious and political leaders in opposition to Jesus had power based on control over people. Conversely, Jesus has authority based on Who He is. Subsequently, men seek more control as Jesus seeks more relationship. A true King doesn't clamor for control, He simply reveals who He is.
Make Disciples not Conformists
Let us first seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Not only is this more important than any other issue, it is the cure for all sin and brokenness in this world.
“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”
In 2 Timothy 2:23-26, the Apostle Paul gives us a simple approach to handling controversies:
- Avoid controversy, because it breed quarrels. (verse 23) Consider these last few weeks of media cycles. Does anyone believe differently than they did three weeks ago? Most are just more embattled in the stance they already have. The only winners are media providers that make their money stirring the pot while ignoring many other equally (or sometimes more) important events in the world. Avoid the fray. It is unfruitful.
- Be Kind. (verse 24) In our polarizing world of opinions, kindness stands out. Seek first to love and understand. Earn the right to be heard. The biblical concept of kindness is different than what we often perceive as "niceness." More than just pleasantries, kindness involves offering grace to those you interact with. Put them first before they even speak. Love them before they have earned it and love them when they don't earn it. You may notice that Paul mentions "patiently enduring evil." Sometimes, God calls us to endure sin in others rather than fight it tooth and nail.
- Correct with gentleness. There is a place for correcting a brother or sister in Christ. In such cases it is always better to stand beside looking to Jesus and His revealed Word rather than to stand against (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Let the Word of God correct. There is little room for correcting a non-believer save to introduce them to Jesus. Asking someone to stop sinning before they trust Jesus is like asking a dead man to rise and walk (Ephesians 2:1-10)
- Let Jesus lead them to the truth. Note the process in verse 25. God grants repentance. It is a gift from God. That repentance leads to a knowledge of the truth.
The brokenness of this world is not healed with laws made by broken men. It can only be healed by Jesus. Our job is to make introductions.
