Pastor Mike’s Blog

Part 3 of 4.

It’s easy to see from my simple illustration in part 1 and the explanation of my use of it in part 2 that unbelievers are blind to the truth of Jesus.  Jesus himself tells us that.  And, of course, we remember that we were once blind.

But, we shouldn’t be so quick to believe we, as followers of Jesus, can see clearly now.  How else can we explain the rise of so many denominations and belief systems even within the largest expression of Christianity?

I’ve read that the 2001 World Christian Encyclopedia claims there are over 33,000 denominations of the catholic (universal) Christian church.  Those who disbelieve Christianity point to that and claim we can’t even agree among ourselves; therefore, how can we be convincing.

There is a modicum of truth to that.  We are good at public infighting.  We must remember Jesus’ command:

“By this they will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35). 

Sorry for the delay getting on with part 2 (of 4)…holidays, you know.

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”   C.S. Lewis

So, in part one, our friend didn’t see the salt shaker that was evident to us.  How do we respond to our friend.  They seem to legitimately not see the salt shaker.  Do we get angry with them?  Perhaps, after all maybe it makes us feel stupid.  Maybe we simply dismiss it; that’s the easiest answer.

Or, do we take the harder road and begin a discussion with our friend?  If the salt shaker is really there, as we are convinced, then shouldn’t we seek to help our friend see it if we are able?  After all, apparently it is there to be seen (remember that some others in the place saw it, too).  Shouldn’t we feel compassion for our friend; they are blind to the salt shaker and it is plain to see.  Can they truly not see it or have they chosen not to see it and, thus, can no longer see it?  How will they be able to salt their food?

And so it is with Christianity.  There are those who are blind to God and cannot see him right before their eyes, ultimately by their own choice (see Jn 3:19; Rom 1:20-23).  How do we react to them.  Do we get angry because they make us feel stupid?  Do we ignore them?  Or do we engage them out of genuine love for them?

I worry that as Christians we have become an angry lot as we react to the world’s hate of us.  We project our hate of sin onto those who sin, and that is not an option for us (Mt 22:39).  Yet, we should not expect the world to love us (Jn 15:19).

As we move into the new year, lets stand for truth yet abound in grace (Col 4:5-6).  those who are lost are not our enemies.  Remember that Jesus died for us while we were sinners (Rom 5:8).  By reflecting on God’s love for us and by loving him, we come to feel God’s anguish for the lost.  Our anger toward unbelievers only disgraces God (Rom 2:24).  If we fail to love those who hate us, we must question our love for god (1Jn 4:8).