I think it is fair to say that we are living in some kind of weird vacuum of madness. Everything is topsy-turvy. What was once considered taboo is now celebrated. There are educated people that hate our President so fiercely they want the people that vote for him to die before the election! People are screaming in complete strangers' faces! Celebrities are bragging about their abortions! Families are being torn apart over differences of opinion. Even parts of the church are deconstructing everything they once believed. Even though my social media would suggest otherwise, I HATE CONFLICT, and yet, there is conflict in every part of life right now. I think a large part of this animosity can be contributed to the media and social platforms. I watched a documentary on Netflix the other night called The Social Dilemma. The producers of this film interviewed people who once worked for some of the largest social platforms until they deemed their jobs were ethically immoral. Their claim is that they would target their audience and cater to their likes and interests, which at first doesn't sound too bad. What happens though is you start seeing only what you want to see, and your position becomes blurred by your own biases. For instance, as a Republican, on my social media I see all the great things that the President has put in place during his time in the White House. I hear what a great job he has done with Covid, with nominating Conservatives for the Supreme Court, with stopping abortion and sex trafficking, and working on criminal justice reform. In contrast, I see only negative aspects of Biden's campaign, such as him being unfit physically and mentally for the Presidency, of him raising taxes and government control, and of all his racists comments throughout his political career. It furthers my position to trust Trump and be scared to death of the Democratic party. However, if you are Democrat, you would see things like Trump has caused thousands of deaths, that he is racist, that he is a dictator, and so on. They take statements that have a resemblance of truth and exaggerate them. This puts fear in the user of the "other side." A fear that I don't think we have had since the Civil War. Politics are just part of the unrest we have right now. There is also Covid, racial unrest, natural disasters, and threats to our freedom. All of which have been heightened and exaggerated by the news and social media.
My conundrum is this: as Christians how do we live in such a evil world? I know God's word tells us this is not our home, and that we are just sojourners here. So, Christians were never meant to feel at home here on Earth. But right now, like I've never seen in my lifetime, there is so much deceit and truth seems to be distorted as never before. Or maybe it's just me? It does not bother me that there is disparity between Christians and NonChristians, there is suppose to be a difference. We are suppose to shine brightly in the darkness. What bothers me immensely is how the Church as a whole seems to be losing its way, seems to be losing its light, and veering grossly from the truth and becoming more like the world. It doesn't feel like that in the churches I actually attend or watch online. They seem to be shining brighter than ever before. Proclaiming God's word, along with His love, and steering their congregants toward peace amidst the storm. When I enter the church building, I am elated! Worshipping God, I am elated. Reading His word and being reminded of his Omnipotence and Power, I am elated. But then I leave the building or I turn off the online sermon, and almost instantly I am confronted by someone who wants to sabotage all that I have just experienced and know to be TRUTH. Progressive Christianity is meandering very deceitfully throughout the Church, and in its attempt to appease the world, it has become like the world, or even worse. I don't believe in brow beating people over the head with their sins as a way of getting them to trust in Jesus. However, I do believe we ALL need to know that WE are depraved sinners in need of a Holy Christ. If we think we are enough, that we are ok, then we do not see a need for a Savior. We have to see the depravity and ugliness of our sin, before we will turn to Christ for our salvation. In the name of teaching tolerance, we are depriving people of salvation. Aren't we? Progressive Christianity also demeans God's Word. They change the Word to suit their taste and to allow for tolerance of everybody. Christianity is an all inclusive, exclusive group of people. A relationship with Christ is all inclusive in that anyone can come to Christ, and it is exclusive in that the way is narrow and few find it. You come to Christ on absolutely no merit of your own, it is by unmerited grace that Christ saves. It is a gift that we cannot earn. However, your walk with Christ does not stop at salvation. It begins at salvation, and as you learn more of Jesus, spend more time with Him, come to love Him, and are filled with His Spirit, you no longer can tolerate your former self. It is a heart change. Out of His love for you and your love for Him, flows a desire for obedience. There are churches that are saying the Bible is just a book of letters from men who suggest a good way to live. The Bible is so much more that. It is the inspired, God breathed word. It is the truth that establishes boundaries for everything in this world. It is the Gospel. It is part of our communion with God. It is the way in which He speaks to His children. It is unchangeable. The meaning has not been lost in translation. It is one cohesive story of man's depravity and Christ's redemption. It hurts my soul when people try to discredit it.
Some might say, so what is your conundrum, Sharla? Just stay away from people and churches like that. That is my problem, the people that have questioned the Bible, questioned faith, and wanted to change the truths on which I stand are people I love dearly. People that I care deeply about their souls. Some might say I am being judgemental, and that is the last thing that I want to be. I could care less who somebody votes for, somebody can try to change my mind all they want about politics (I probably won't listen, but they can try), but it really bothers me when someone tries to change my mind about Christ and when people celebrate sin. You can be a Christian and sin, we will never stop sinning this side of eternity. However, you can't be a Christian and love and celebrate sin and live in sin. It is a matter of the heart. You can't call sin something other than what it is, right? I guess all of this is bothering me so much because of this weird season we are all in. Death has become more real to me. A few people I know have died without Christ, and I don't want that to happen to one more person that I love. But I seem to drive people further away from faith than closer to it, and that really bothers me. I have come to the conclusion that the only thing to do is to walk the walk of faith and love, speak truth in kindness, and do a whole lot of praying. Do any of you feel or see the same things I am seeing, or is the devil just taking a particular interest in me right now? (Yes, I do believe in the devil and in hell, another thing Progressive Christianity is denying). I would love to know if any of you feel the same way. If you do please leave a comment. I would love to have help with my conundrum:):)
