Every once in a while, I get suckered into doing something that I know will likely not go so well. A couple weeks ago an opportunity to do just that presented itself as I was browsing through Facebook. A friend of mine started a discussion on a current social-cultural issue, and I saw the opinions expressed by many on that post were different than mine. So, being the sucker I am, I wrote my opinion, holding to the truth of the Bible. As I expected, that didn’t go so well, as many of those people countered calling me judgmental, even quoting the Bible for me to “remove the log from my eye.” (I did have a couple people message me, thanking me for my remarks, so I quess it wasn’t all bad.) But I left that “discussion” disappointed that so many people who call themselves Christians question what is written in the Bible.
Recently, an old friend of mine, who is a Christian, and I were discussing the same current social-cultural issue on which we have differing opinions (I know what you are thinking…Rob, stop talking social-cultural issues as it only gets you in trouble!). In our discussion, she noted how one particular section of scripture from the gospels pointed directly at a situation in her life, and that the outcome of that situation, according to the scriptures, was wrong. Because of her life circumstances, she seemed to question, not only this particular piece of scripture, but other verses as well. I could tell she was hurt by that circumstance in her life, and that particular scripture from the Bible convicted her.
These 2 experiences have challenged me with regard to expressing my beliefs to others. I know that many individuals who do not believe in God will denounce my beliefs as ignorant, intolerant and hateful. But I didn’t know how many people who claim to know and trust God would have a similar reaction, even when we look at what the Bible says.
We are all sinful by nature. True. Fact. Undisputed. We all make mistakes every day. So when each one of us reads the Bible, we should get convicted by some part of scripture. When I read through the characteristics lived by a “man of God” listed by Paul in his letters to Timothy and Titus, I am convicted and humbled. The scrpiture points out that I am not holy or righteous, but shows how I am wrong and deserving of death.
However, the same Bible points to a way that will redeem each and every one of us. The Bible that convicts each of us also gives freedom to each of us through the belief and trust in Jesus Christ. By acknowledging the wrong and sin in our life and asking for forgiveness, the things in life that convict us are removed and we can move forward living a life that He blesses. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we all have the opportunity to live a life of joy, peace, and freedom.
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32
