2 Peter 2:1-3
1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
I was flipping through the TV channels this morning and came across a show titled "Religious Program" in the TV Guide. I decided to take a look. Unfortunately, what I came across was far from religious.
A Reverend (he has the nerve to call himself that), by the name of Peter Popoff was selling his "Miracle Spring Water" , claiming that this water would help you wipe away your debts by the "supernatural power of God".
I couldn't believe my eyes. Here is a man, absolutely abusing his authority and misusing the name of God for spiritual gain. I don't know about you, but in my opinion, this is a clear example of why many people think Christians are totally crazy.
Let me clarify by saying- this is not true Christianity.
The word Christianity when pulled apart means Christ-likeness. Those who know anything about Christ know that he was the furthest thing from a lying, stealing, fire-breathing evangelist out to make an extra buck. In fact, Jesus Christ was nothing short of pure love. He came as an advocate for the weak and the poor. He came to heal the sick and mend the broken-hearted. He came to love unto the point of death...and even then, to love more.
I find myself angry. Less angry with Petter Popoff (although he did tick me off) and more angry with the Christian subculture at large. Though you and I may not be guilty of TV scams, we have not always represented Christ as we should. We have been greedy, arrogant, and prideful at times. We have been harsh, judgmental, and straight up mean. We have represented our SELF, far more than we have represented our Savior. And though our sins may not be plastered on national TV, they still grieve the heart of God. It's about time things change.
Christians, we can only do so much in preventing the misrepresentation from others- but we can do incredible things as a body if we will each take a look at ourselves and ask Jesus to give us direction in how we represent his name. Ask him to open our eyes to the poor, the broken, and the needy. Ask him for humility, love, and compassion.
It's not too late, for there is still time for our Lord to save us from ourselves.
I think Jesus would be proud of you, Debbie. It's not self-doubt that you cast on other Christians. It's self-awareness. And that is very noble.
ReplyDeleteReligion, and Christianity specifically, is, and can be a gift to us all, believers and non-believers alike. We have such resources and POWER, and they're built in the name of a higher power. How beautiful is that? It is a gift not to be taken lightly. And certainly not to be abused by a money-hungry evangelist. It is completely OK not to tolerate this. His is not the spiritual life. This is base, this is lowly, this is not in line with the teaching of Jesus Christ.
John 8:32. This passage has led me for several years. And it has yet to fail me.
And I apologize for my crude, and seemingly insensitive posts. My friends are comics, and we laugh at the greatest tragedies, but words are cheap. It's actions that speak. Sometimes, if we didn't laugh, we'd cry.
ReplyDeleteI'm just glad that you have the patience and understanding to see through that, and still be my friend. The world NEEDS more people like you. Please, keep doing what you're doing.
Josh, I appreciate your thoughts "then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free...".
ReplyDeleteIt's a hard balance between self-awareness and bashing Christians (myself included), which I never intend to do...although sometimes we could all use a little bashing, haha.
You are a thinker and I admire that...may God continue to use your mind and your heart in huge ways. Thanks for your thoughts!
Well, first of all - who cares if he calls himself a Reverend? There is nothing scriptural about that title. Really, it's a man-made title based on either degrees or other earned licensing, and not a title of anointing. So, as far as I'm concerned - he can call himself a Bishop if he wants to, as that has little merit in my opinion. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's perfectly OK, Deb, to be ticked off. I am reminded that when asking what Jesus would do - to realize that sometimes, flipping tables and kicking people out of the church with a hand-fashioned whip is perfectly acceptable when they are abusing and misusing the things of The LORD.
PS. That movie looks interesting. :)
IAM4- You're absolutely right, titles are meaningless if God's spirit isn't a part of it. Yes, that movie looks really interesting- I haven't seen it yet but I am planning on it!
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