Today’s sermon has caused my mind to think a far lot deeper (than I often do, ha!) What I learnt is that if God matters, then what the world speaks of, doesn’t. Here goes…Controversy – is it, really?What makes something controversial? It is when the difference between what is right, and what is wrong, falls in a grey area. Such that it becomes debatable.
So then, why do we Christians agree with what the world labels as ‘controversial’ issues? Clueless at what I’m trying to say? Let me explain.
The world tells us that the topic of homosexuality falls into the ‘controversial’ category. Pornography, violence – be it in games or movies or in reality, gambling, telling lies – white lies or not; etc. All these have been termed as ‘controversial’ issues. However, they are but a means of evading the truth – to confuse us and put the thought that “hmm, maybe there really is some justification to it”. Probably to give false hope to both parties of the camp. I shall not delve into any political questioning.
Brothers & sisters, it really isn’t that hard to tell right from wrong in this world. We have to look at it in through the eyes and heart of God.
We believe that God is the creator, who created both man, and woman, to live together. This has to mean that we have been designed for each other from the beginning. Homosexuality was never part of the plan, and definitely could not be any result of evolution (adaptations to the environment of any living species) because evolution (that Man came from apes) does not exist. There, black and white. It clearly does not fall into any grey area. So is it debatable? Clearly not. So the world tells you that we have human rights, we have freedom to choose our sexuality, etc. Yes, go ahead and choose. But the freedom to choose doesn’t make that decision the right one, in God’s eyes.
But do not shun homosexuals because we are to love one another in brotherly/sisterly, wholesome love. I say, shun the act of homosexuality, but never shun the person. With gentleness and respect, guide and direct that brother or sister toward God. They say “don’t win the battle but lose the war”. Likewise, don’t lose the war for souls for God.
We are also told not to participate in any form of sexual immorality. Does skimming the boundaries of sexual immorality make our conduct any less of black-and-white? So why the useless and futile debate on “pornography is okay…; sexual fantasies are only human instinct…; crude talk is harmless…; etc”. The same thing goes for violence. When God says no violence, he really meant it virtually and in reality. Why push it? “Do not speak of falsehood” – do not tell lies. Does it not get any clearer than this? Why smudge it? Do not participate in unwholesome talk – profanities; gossip; discouraging words; insults.. We can run away from the terms used in the bible “e.g. the word gossip is not included” but we can never run away from the intention of God’s instruction.
My point is, that we should not be blinded or fooled by the word controversy. It creates a false blanket of comfort for the frost of guilt. It could just be another one of satan’s ploys to veil our eyes. What seems debatable, really isn’t in God’s perspective. And until we seek God’s heart, to understand the intention and essence of His Word, to know what exactly He is trying to teach us, we will always be confused, easily tossed by the waves, blown by the wind. So let’s not be fooled, or seek comfort in smudging the right-and-wrong of pressing so-called controversial issues. Cause they really aren’t in the first place. Don’t tire ourselves unnecessarily.
In here, I only mention issues pertaining to ourselves – that is, living our lives the way God wants us to. It is only the tip of the iceberg of issues like science, technology, and even in theology, where even amongst Christians, we still debate on denominations, the bible… Sad, but true.
But my hope is that when we know how to live right on a ‘micro’ level, the ‘macro’ level will also follow suit. Whatever causes division, quarrels, segregation… has to be the work of satan, and controversy is just one of them. To divide and conquer – satan’s ploy?
Whilst writing this and sharing my thoughts with Enlin, I find myself uncovering more and more issues. I picture myself standing in front of a vast green field, littered with scraps of thrash and rubbish. Each uncovered thrash like a mine planted, waiting to explode and cause chaos. I prayed and ask for a solution to all this ‘thrash’, and I understood a little more, on why God had to send Jesus to save us.
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Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of the earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
