Part of life is realizing that we are all human. Everyone at some point in time will make a mistake. That is a guarantee, and we need to get used to it. The greatest Christian is not perfect, and cannot be as long as he or she walks in this flesh. Even they fall from time to time. But, many times we forget.
I have witnessed many times where Christians, and even entire churches, rise up against a brother or a sister who has fallen by the way. Instead of helping that person get up, we surround them and throw stones at them, kick them and beat them, so that they may "see the error of their way." We think it is out duty to discipline them, and seem to take pleasure in giving out that measure of "discipline". We think we are the "righteous" ones and that we must make examples out of our "wicked" brethren.
Instead of helping them, we drive them away. There are some good people who cannot bring themselves to go back to church because they were hurt in this fashion. Instead of going to see the wounded, we talk about them at our "services". Instead of lifting them up to God, we cut them down before one another.
Much too often we listen to and believe what we "hear", instead of finding out the facts. We are always ready to believe a juicy piece of gossip, and dismiss the truth as lies and hearsay. We become Pharisaical bands of wolves seeking our next wounded prey to tear limb from limb. Good Christian people have their names ruined and are run out of churches; preachers are run out of town, and have their names smeared.
Those that do such things are either, weak or not saved at all. How can a child of God do such things, I ask? Many churches have ceased to be fortresses of the truth, and simply become meeting stations for wolves to gather and hunt for their next victim.
I can understand why some people will not go to church. Yes, they are saved, but they have been hurt severely by a group calling itself a "church". They no longer trust preachers, and do not trust other churches. Too many of us have blood on our hands, and we destroy more every day. Unless you have been hurt by someone, then you have no way of understanding how a person can feel this way.
The Bible has much to say about these bands of wolves that are helping Satan to destroy the Church. For sake of space and time, I'll mention a few of those from Proverbs.
"There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness." Proverbs 30:12
Those who attack the wounded, are that "generation" mention in Proverbs 30:12. You cannot claim to be an angel, yet act like a devil. So what if you go to church? Who cares that you give money, go "visiting", or do a host of other "Christian" things? You are as filthy as any unrepentant devil worshipper.
"Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief." Proverbs 24:15 & 16
Back off! You may think you are getting away with your blood lust, but your day is coming. The righteous may and will fall. But he'll get back up. You may kick him when he's down, destroy his name, and destroy his life, but your mischief will catch up to you. God will reward you for your evil work.
"An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter." Proverbs 11:9, 11 & 12
Many say they are Christians, and are not. An hypocrite, one who says he is a Christian, but is not, is the one that will attack and destroy one who is a Christian. And every time it is done with the mouth. Also, a lack of wisdom on our part will cause us to despise others. When you have wisdom - the wisdom that God gives - you will keep your mouth closed, and help that fellow Christian back up, instead of tearing him down.
"These six things doth the LORD hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among the breathren." Proverbs 6:16-19
That very famous passage of Scripture describes the actions of those "destroying 'Christians'". Those are the people we should be on the lookout for and run off, not the fallen Christians. Instead of joining their hateful schemes, we should oppose them at every turn, and let them know that they are not welcome in our churches. If we do not, then they will corrupt every single church.
Finally, here are some things we need to do for the fallen, and these will be done for us when we fall:
Put yourself in their place. Don't forget that you are human too, and that you could have been the one making the mistake that others are making such a big deal out of. Also, get the truth, don't depend on what "others" have told you, and do not believe everything you hear.
Pray for them. Lift them up before God, instead of cutting them down before others. If you want to talk about somebody, talk about them to God. Quit acting like a wolf.
Lift them up - encourage them. Help them get back on their feet. If you were the one who fell, you would want someone to do the same for you.
Help them get back on track. Let them know they are not alone, and they are not the only ones who made a mistake. This will give them the desire to stay in church, and not get discouraged and leave.
Stop beating them senseless. It's not your job to discipline, that belongs to God and God alone. Even if it were your job, you would be guilty of abuse. Whenever a Christian stumbles, we think we should break their arms and legs for the offence.
It's time Christians got right with God, and started helping the wounded soldiers, instead of shooting them in the back.
(c) 2007 Swamp Fox Files/Ray Perdue
This article originally appeared on The Swamp Fox Files on Saturday, February 24, 2007.
2 comments:
This is so true! I saw a book once entitled something like "Christians - the only army that shoots it's wounded".
Why do we do that? Is it pride? You madeyoubed, now lie in it? Frustration that when we tried to help we were ignored? It certainly is not a Chritlike attitude.
Thanks. I think some do it, because they are lost, pretending to be saved. Others do it because they are carnal, and others do it because they too are wounded.
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