“The word of God is living and active. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Hebrews 4:12 has been on my mind for the past several weeks. As I listen to debate over bible interpretation surrounding gay rights and the uproar caused by the signing of the “Hate Crimes Bill” under the cover of a Defense Authorization, I wonder what God thinks of our political and social banter about His word. I wonder what he will have to say to Bishop Spong the outspoken retired Episcopal bishop who said, “ I will no longer engage the biblical ignorance that emanates from so many right-wing Christians about how the Bible condemns homosexuality, as if that point of view still has any credibility….The world has moved on, leaving these elements of the Christian Church that cannot adjust to new knowledge or a new consciousness lost in a sea of their own irrelevance. They no longer talk to anyone but themselves. I will no longer seek to slow down the witness to inclusiveness by pretending that there is some middle ground between prejudice and oppression. “
Is he right? I don’t believe so. Does it matter? To this present world not so much. To God, I think yes. Will we solve the arguement now? No. Can we move on and do more productive things for the Kingdom? YES!
It’s a sobering thought to know that your mind is wide open to God. He knows your thoughts and he judges them according to His word. He knows when your heart does not line up with your actions. We Christians are called to serve God with gladness and “singleness of heart.” That is with one heart for our Father through his Son Jesus Christ. We are not called to debate whether sexual preference is a right or whether homosexuals and transvestites will go to heaven. We are called to serve the Lord, period.
While I believe Spong’s hermeneutics are wrong, I do agree however that we believers will do more for the King by moving forward with our spiritual walk by helping to win souls with the gospel than by getting caught up in an unwinable debate. The Enemy would like nothing better for us to waste our time arguing the matter of sexual sin than spend it telling non-believers about the “Good News of Jesus Christ!” Let’s stop arguing and start praying for the salvation of the lost and let God judge Bishop Spong.
My prayer. Again Father, your word has humbled us and taught us that our attitudes need some adjustment, if we are to serve you. Help us to love one another with the passion that you demonstrated to the Samaritan woman at the well. Lead us Lord in paths of righteousness and make your word come alive in our hearts so that when we stand before You in Heaven You might say “well done good and faithful servant. Welcome home!.” In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.” (Romans 1:18-23)
In Paul’s first letter to his young protege, Timothy, Paul warns him to be wary of false teachers who use religion for their own personal glory and enrichment. Paul emphasizes that these men, promote controversy and detract from proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and his work on the cross. Paul said, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16