Christians Are Wimps
50The title gets right to the point, doesn't it??!!!!!
The sad fact is, that in spite of the supposed identification with Jesus Christ and his Gospel, many are afraid to say or do anything that would upset someone else.
Please understand that I'm in no way referring to a troublemaker or spiritual blowhard. Anybody can cause trouble or blow smoke or both! What I'm referring to are those who, in spite of their cocky word and attitude or their meek, mild and submissive demeanor, are afraid to actually say something that may get right to the heart of a situation or reveal the answer to a question. Most skirt the core issue out of fear. They are afraid of what someone else may think about them because they want others to like them. (Well, who doesn't?)
Understand this also. I'm not referring to those who have a redemptive relationship with Jesus Christ and their actions before unbelievers. I'm referring to Believers among Believers. Just because someone is a Brother or Sister in Christ and just because we don't want to hurt someones feelings and just because we don't want to be accused of judging someone else, we keep our mouth shut tight when it comes to speaking the truth in love. Forget about the commands of Christ. Forget about what is best for the other person. Forget about what is best for the Body of Christ. We have our own self interest to consider. After all, it's all about me!
Like I said, a bunch of wimps! Are you one? Ultimately, that's up to you.
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Hi Bob and VP -
Well, the title certainly caught my attention and surely will of those who love to bash and criticize us, perhaps adding fuel to the fire/argument that even amongst ourselves a lack of harmony and unity exists. Truth be told however, I do think there have been some legitimate observations Bob has made that do exist within the Body. Could it have been said in a gentler, more loving way? I believe so. Perhaps in regards to the description used, some examples could have been given to further expound on the point.
I suspect Ben, one of your motivational giftings is prophetic...prophets who spoke the truth all throughout history - true for today as well - have not been well received. I personally have this gift as well and pre Christ, I was known for my lack of tact, often putting my foot in my mouth. Knowing what to say and when to say it I've discovered requires spiritual discernment.
Not that Ben needs me to defend him VP, but I hope what I'm going to say is truth, encouragement and will have the ability to contribute to his perspective and bring an element of peace. We do need people who do not shrink from the truth, who don't compromise the Word of God, but proclaim and preach the complete gospel message. I don't like to be critical but there are people in our pulpits today who are so "seeker sensitive" they water down or leave parts out altogether. Although I'm not one who wants to speak out against a fruitful ministry or one of God's anointed, so if I'm wrong, please forgive me (God and my brethren). I do however, as an example, suspect there is a very popular person in your great state of Texas who has a huge congregation (mega church) who may be in this category.
At any rate, I think Bob contributed a valid and important topic to ponder and discuss. I've been very much over the past week feeling a burden to be praying for our nation and for Godly repentance to occur, beginning in the Body of Christ.
oops ..it was early and I hadn't had enough coffee and here I went back and forth between calling you Bob and Ben....forgive me for that; just starting to get to know you!
This makes the second time I read this. Didn't get it the first time, (like Christine said, I had no coffee yet at that time) and not sure that I do now. Like you said it is easy to blow smoke, poke, gouge, etc. . . Anyone can do that.
Some people, although they tell truth, do so with arrogance. Been there done that myself. It takes a very special person to minster to others. Anyone can preach or teach. That isn't hard to do. To be a minister to those who are weak, hurting, downtrodden, beat down, fallen, backlsid, takes a very very special person.
Sometimes I am able to minister, other times I am not. Not for lack of knowledge, but for lack of patience and love that it takes to minister.
Be very careful how you do and say what you do and say. Sometimes there might be a weak brother os siter watching you and if you are not careful, you can push them over the edge, even in being right in your words and actrions. I am not picking on you, for I got this message for myself first. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
I appreciate all the comments. Thanks for taking the time.
VP,
That determination is up to you. As to being critical and harsh, I believe if you would read other articles of mine, you would see that this article is not my normal style or tone. Mising the point is also up to you to determine.
SirDent,
I don't ake your words as picking on me. I understand them. And I also understand how the article could be potentially taken. Thank you for your concern.
Christinekv,
You're tight about the prophetic aspect. I've known that for years. The Lord is just now moving me forward into that. There's been much preparation. If you were to read my post entitled The Process Of Truth, you might be able to get a more clear picture of that.
As far as saying things a little differently, you're right. I could have, but I didn't. Later I will elaborate a little more on individual parts, but for now, it was meant to be general (and eye catching), yet a little controversial without getting into too much detail. A great point about spiritual discernment.
You are also right about the condition of our pulpits today. Truth is woefully lacking for various reasons. Keep praying!
Blessings,
Ben
Actually i think the bottom line is what is our motavation and are we being motavatied by the holy spirit and is it the right word in the right season because its not our job to fix people or point out where the strong man fell.
Time and time again God brings me back to the place of prayer , because I see how messed up the church is today . God brought me here to this counntry to learn how to love christians and how to pray and watch him work and speak a word of knowledge in his time . When its his time , its very fruitful and a soul is changed by him not by my efforts. If it was left up to me I would end up puting up to many walls...anyway a few thoughts...God bless and lead you guys...Mike:0)
Ps wish they had spell check on this LOL
You're right. The leading of the Holy Spirit is vitally important. In fact, there are times when silence is required, but I didn't cover that issue.
One of the problems with the church today is their understanding of love. Love and obedience goes together. If you love me, keep my commandments, Jesus said. Many are suffering because of disobedience in their lives and don't realize it.
May the Lord bless you and use you while He has you here.
Thanks for the comments,
Ben
100% Right Ben!
read your blog on obama..very Good...according to the state of the soul of the country will be its leadership...that sound right? Lol...you know what I mean!
Keep writing!
In Jesus Mike:0)
I agree with the meaning of the hub. I do wonder, however, if you could repremand with a little more compassion your brothers and sisters in Christ. I think God wants us to be truthful with each other, but also to have tact when doing it. If not, that could push people away from God if they are not where they should be. When talking to someone about them doing wrong, it is a personal thing. And most of the time it will be taken personally. Is there a way to temper the way you go about talking to people? Not to temper what you say, but how you say it? Keep it totally true, but at least let the person you're trying to help see the wrong of their ways that, yes, they are wrong, but that you do honestly care about them. Coming acoss harshly comes across as juding often and also as that you are feeling you are a better Christian than whoever it is you are talking to. Compassion touches hearts easier than harshness. If then they don't see, then you can come on stronger, but attacking first can oftentimes be offputting. Can you understand what I'm trying to say?
AllShookUp,
I agree with what you are saying. But it must be remembered that this hub is a general article. It is not aimed at anyone in particular. It doesn't attack anyone.
Also, this is only one article. It is not the normal tone or tenor of my writing. I appreciate your concern and I do understand what you are saying. :)
Blessings,
ben
viralprospector 3 years ago
I don't know, are you? I am not sure that Christians need this critique and that it is justified. You seem very critical of your brethren. Perhaps that is my misperception, but the cuase trouble, blow smoke, blowhard, cocky, submissive, skirt the core issue stuff is pretty harsh and gives me that impression. I seem to have missed the point, huh?