An Open Challenge... Any Takers?

[pressingon]

I originally posted something similar in the Creationist sub-forum, but given the amount of time I've spent reading unkind remarks, pointless bickering, etc., both there and in the main forum, I've decided to post it here.

Here's a question I want you all to consider, prior to posting:

"Is what I'm writing bringing glory to Christ?"

I honestly believe that if we all applied that question to each post we make, and only posted when we could honestly answer "YES!", we'd have a whole lot less problems in these fora.

Here's the challenge. Try this for the next month when posting here, and let's see what these fora look like at the end. I think we all might be amazed....

Any takers?

 

[herev]

YES, starting today (let me hasten to add--I'm human, so faults exists) I'll do my best
Good idea, we'll see who is IN
But, who decides if it brings Glory to Christ? Does the Creationist who thinks he is defending God's word against the infidel or the evolutionists who thinks that since God IS truth, the truth of creation must be proclaimed? Do we ever get to have righteous anger as Christ did in the temple?
I really will participate, but it will be interesting to see the justifications you get from those who continue in the same mode "in Jesus' name."
Tommy

 

[United]

YES, starting today (let me hasten to add--I'm human, so faults exists) I'll do my best
Good idea, we'll see who is IN
But, who decides if it brings Glory to Christ? Does the Creationist who thinks he is defending God's word against the infidel or the evolutionists who thinks that since God IS truth, the truth of creation must be proclaimed? Do we ever get to have righteous anger as Christ did in the temple?
I really will participate, but it will be interesting to see the justifications you get from those who continue in the same mode "in Jesus' name."
Tommy

Count me in too! I suggest the yardstick should be "love". If it is obvious that someone's response isn't made out of love for the other person, then they fail the test & should re-examine their motives.

I find it hard to believe anyone could honestly use Christ's action in the temple as a basis for getting angry with another Christian over their beliefs about creation. For a start, Jesus knew everything - he knew what was happening in the temple was wrong & he knew the right approach to take. We are in a far different situation. Who has received word directly from God that our creation belief is correct and all others are wrong? Are any of us positive that our beliefs in creation are correct? If not, what justification is there for showing anger (or anything but love) to another christian with different beliefs?

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

When people misrepresent you, and say all sorts of disparaging things about your faith, I think anger is totally to be expected. For example, reading through the CO forum today I understand that we are "compromisers".

There's another insult. Scoffers, so-called Christians, Compromisers - I fail to see why we shouldn't get angry. I'm afraid you're not going to get anywhere by asking everyong to act all sweetness and light.

 

[Micaiah]

Jesus said 'I am the way the truth and the life....', and '...and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.'

In contrast to satan who is the deceiver, God always speaks the truth. It was said of Christ, that there was no 'guile' in what He said. He wasn't out to trick or deceive people. His word is dependable, and trustworthy. He is honoured when we honour His word. He is dishonoured when we treat it with contempt.

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

Jesus said 'I am the way the truth and the life....', and '...and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.'

In contrast to satan who is the deceiver, God always speaks the truth. It was said of Christ, that there was no 'guile' in what He said. He wasn't out to trick or deceive people. His word is dependable, and trustworthy. He is honoured when we honour His word. He is dishonoured when we treat it with contempt.

Let's get this clear - are you accusing anyone here of treating it with contempt?

 

[pressingon]

Of course, the phrase “brings glory to Christ” can be interpreted in different ways. However, I believe it’s pretty clear how we should behave and treat each other, as brothers and sisters in Christ. As United has stated, one word sums it up… love.

Our posts, whether intended for fellowship, debate, … whatever… should be worded in a way that honors Christ by treating the intended recipient with loving respect.

As for anger, yes, it's natural to be angry about certain things. However, I think it’s wise to take Ephesians 4:26-27 into consideration:

“[sup]26[/sup]In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [sup]27[/sup]and do not give the devil a foothold.”

What happens when we get irritated about something posted that angers us? Too often, the feud escalates through barbed remarks, insults, and the like. I fail to see how that brings glory to Christ.

I guess all I’m asking for is civility! I fail to see how that’s such a big request. To all those who agree to take me up on the challenge I’ve issued, I have one more request: hold each other accountable. If you see a post written by those who have publicly committed to this that is not written in love… a post that does not demonstrate respect for another individual… message them, and remind them of the commitment they’ve made. But again, do so in love.

God bless….

 

[Micaiah]

Consider the reaction Christ received from some people. Anger was not an uncommon response when people were confronted with the truth. In the end they became determined to kill Him, so great was their anger and hatred.

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

Are you trying to avoid answering my question?

 

[Micaiah]

All Christians must be careful to treat God's word with the deep sense of reverence and even fear it deserves. To twist and distort that which is plainly stated is characteristic of the satan, the father of lies. He did it in the garden of Eden, and he did it as he sort to cause Christ to stumble.

There will be unity in the Christian church, and Christ will be honoured when people are willing to trust and follow God's truth, regardless of what the world thinks.

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

Do you mean "When we're all creationists"?

And are you actually suggesting that TEs distort scripture and therefore are following a characteristic of Satan?

I want to be clear, before I toast your sorry backside, that you really are saying the self-righteous things I suspect you are.

 

[Micaiah]

If the shoe fits, wear it.

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

The shoe doesn't fit. But I've got this distinct impression you're trying to force it onto my foot.

Stop weaselling around and say what you think. Are we twisters? Are we like Satan? Do we dishonour Christ? If you're going to insult us, do it outright and then shut up, rather than constantly sniping from just inside the rules.

 

[Micaiah]

I'm heading off for now KLB. A parting shot for you to consider. Why is it that my statements agitate you so much? Why do you always feel like I am talking about your beliefs?

If you are content your beliefs honour God's truth, then I'd expect you would be at peace, regardless of what others think. If you feel the statements are directed at you, and make you unconfortable, could I suggest you move on. No one is forcing you to read my posts.

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

Micaiah - do I have a clip on my umbilicus? No? That would be because I wasn't born yesterday.

I can read the implications in your posts. Why raise "twisting" and "distortion" of the Scriptures - phrases you (and others of your kidney) have consistently used to describe non-literal Genesis interpretations, except to imply you mean us? No, it's blatantly obvious what you mean, and turning round with faux-innocent "What? You think I mean you?" bull like this doesn't convince anyone.

 

[Gold Dragon]

Karl, I'm on your side but you got to let it go sometimes. It isn't worth it.

Let our attitudes towards scripture, science, truth and brotherly love be what drives us on these boards.

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

None of it's worth it, GD, but I'm buggered if I'm going to let these insults go. I've had enough.

 

[boughtwithaprice]

This thread has gotten


:topic:

Lets all remember that the OP asked if we could all treat eachother with the respect due eachother as brothers in Christ.

Is that so hard?

 

[Vance]

Yes, I think that it is ironic that in a thread asking us to treat each other with brotherly love, a YEC comes along and attacks non-YEC's as distorting God's Word (yes, this is what he was saying).

My position all along has been that YEC teaching causes great damage to message of Christ and I will do my little part in preventing that damage. I already know that souls have been saved in this effort and, if God continues to give me strength, I will continue.

It takes the patience of a saint to respond kindly when fellow Christians are insinuating, or saying outright, that I am a compromising Christian, don't believe as fully in Scripture, trust man over God's word, etc (all of which is clearly false). But I will continue to seek patience.

 

[Micaiah]

The original statement was to question whether what we posted would honour Christ. The immediate conclusion drawn by the OP was that if we did, then all the posts would be 'nice', no ones feathers would be ruffled, and we'd all live together in one big happy family.

That will only come about when the Christian community respects God's truth. It won't come about through compromising the truth. As stated earlier, the Master Himself gave us an example of how we should expose deceipt, and how agitated people get when they are confronted with the truth.