Are you kidding me?!

[JT Hedman]

For a reason I have yet to determine, my mind has lately been returning to the topic of protesters "for God." You know the ones - they hold signs that say things like "TURN OR BURN!" and "GOD HATES FAGS!" And I guess what strikes me as odd is they claim to be doing these things in Jesus' name. They claim to be Christians who love God, saying that they are enlightening people and helping to turn them to the Truth of the Gospel.

And it breaks my heart.

They stand there with their signs and call out that people are whores and sinners and hell-bound. Jesus called out to the Pharisees that whoever was without sin should cast the first stone at the woman caught in adultery (John 8:7).

They belittle and debase homosexuals - calling them fags, abominations of God. Paul told the Ephesians not to let any unwholesome talk come out of their mouths, but only that which builds people up in their time of need, that it may give grace to all who hear (Ephesians 4:29)

This is not Truth. This is not the Gospel of love and peace that Jesus taught; it is a gospel of hate and hypocrisy which turns people away from God.

If these "Bible thumpers" and "preachers" were truly trying to bring people to Christ, we would see the fruit of their relationship with Him. In Galatians 5, the apostle Paul talks about the byproducts that come from a true and authentic relationship with Christ.

1. They would be loving. In the New Testament, Jesus gives us these two commands: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). The "lobbyists" might love God, but they certainly aren't showing love to other people.

2. They would be joyful. In past discussions I have defined joy as "uncircumstantial" happiness. No matter what the day may bring (long lines at the store, getting cut off in traffic, getting chewed out by a boss or failing a test), I know that God is in control, and that He intends to work all things to my good (Romans 8:28-29).

3. They would be peacemakers. In the last year or so, I have begun to understand just how important making peace is. Let me be clear - I am not talking about keeping peace, or hoping for peace, or praying for peace. I am talking about actively and intentionally searching for ways to bring peace and reconciliation to any given situation. Standing there yelling and stirring up anger does not bring about these things, but answering questions and cultivating a spirit of unity and understanding just might.

4. They would be patient. They would not cut people off mid-sentence, but allow people to fully develop their thoughts and ideas. They would not get frustrated when people don't understand why they are doing what they are doing (I Corinthians 1:18).

5. They would be kind - not shouting curses and threats, not judging self-righteously or harshly.

6. They would intentionally do good.

7. They would try to exemplify faithfulness. Leaning on and trusting God and His Word, and teaching others to do the same.

8. They would be gentle in word and deed, not cultivating a spirit of bitterness and discouragement.

9. And lastly, they would exhibit self-control, not losing their tempers, but being quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19)