There are a great deal of concerning words and attitudes lately about the tenets of the Christian faith. Alarmingly, there are a lot of people who are twisting and manipulating the faith to mold to their personal earthly views.
Online, we’re seeing an increasing number of people saying things like “the Bible leans conservative” or “Jesus is a warrior.” Certain people seem to think its okay to dictate the messages and teaching of Jesus to adhere to their own prejudices and political beliefs. This is a serious problem. It is not okay for us to take the Word and Will of God and change its intended meaning and purpose, simply to manufacture a basis for our own views — particularly political views.
The Bible is abundantly clear:
- The New Testament is the new covenant with mankind.
- Jesus is the very Will of God in the flesh and spirit.
- Christians are clearly and without doubt, told to be: Kind, loving, compassionate, fair, peaceful, faithful, generous and forgiving. This is not open to interpretation — the Bible comes right out and tells us this in many, many passages, including:
Philippians 2:4:
“Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others.”1 Peter 3:8:
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”Galatians 5:22-23:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law.”2 Corinthians 1:3-4:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
There are too many among us who believe that everyone is evil and up to no good — when it very well is often they who are the ones doing wrong. There are too many judging and condemning others — when in fact, it is they themselves who are committing the most grievous of sins. Too many among us have confirmation bias — they seek to find anything that will support their own personal anger and bitterness, and this includes manipulating our faith in an attempt to convince others that the Bible itself backs them up. It very often, does not.
There is another Bible passage that these individuals would do well to read:
“The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” — Matthew 26:24
I don’t know if what they’re doing is betraying Jesus, but I do feel that they know better, but they keep doing it. They keep trying to change the faith…to mold it to their views, so they can claim that they are in fact, just and right. I do not believe for one minute that they are and I believe that what they are doing, is betraying the very foundations of our faith.
Christians around the world are coming together to push back on those who seek to contaminate our faith by twisting it and warping it. Its imperative that we all think on what is happening and take a stand to be on the right side of history — to live and act the way Jesus teaches us to, by being kind, generous and loving people who give more than we take.
