Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” – Matthew 9:13
The Christian faith is, at its core, more diverse and colorful than what we currently see. The early “gathering”, later called the Church, was full of a brilliant tapestry of thoughts, philosophies, races, genders, and economical backgrounds. Today however, we see something strange in the American Church. Perhaps nowhere else is it more isolated from the culture as a whole. Yes, we say we “engage culture”, but how that actually plays out practically is a cheap re-pachaging and softening of cultural trends. Many commentators have called Sunday mornings the most segregated day of the week and this is undoubtedly an indictment on race but can also be an indictment on gender, philosophy, and unfortunately thought. While Jesus was open to all, the Church many times narrow down it’s funnel to those who vote and think like their small (and shrinking) community.
With this said, it is important for me to clarify the unshakable Truth of the Gospel. There are of course things we hold with a closed hand. The deity of Christ and the grace He gives His children (all His children), is to be one of these issues. Outside of this, I am not sure there is much more that is not up for discussion. The character of God is to be our guide. The more we commune with Him, the more we can see things more openly and welcoming. The sanctity of life and creation is a stance we get through this relational study. Yet, many will only go halfway on this, believing what is convenient for the individual. In this politically divisive and toxic culture we live, the Church has a unique opportunity to be the difference we all seek.
What if we were the shining example of healthy discussion and acceptance of all?
What if we were no longer synonymous with “conservative” or “liberal” but welcomed a healthy and loving dialogue on the issues that matter outside our walls?
If we cannot speak of these things through our faith, then what good is our faith?
Our faith should soften and change the way we see and interact with the world. It is not supposed to be an addition to our already cemented stances.
Today, let the cross shape you. Let grace soften your stance on a sometimes cold world.
Matt simon blog 