For the Members: Revealing Statements
Ever heard someone make a comment and then later
realize you probably should have said something to refute their
statement? Though 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us to “…be ready to give a
defense to everyone who asks you...” it is common to “draw a blank”
in the midst of discussion. Some of the following statements have been
temporary mind-bogglers in the past (hopefully, not in the future). As
we consider the following statements may one’s hindsight become
another’s foresight.
“I would get crucified.”
Personally, I have heard people from preachers to young Christians
jokingly and seriously make this statement. Preachers say, “Well, I
can’t tell people I believe that…the brethren would crucify me.” Some
say, “Well, I can’t write for that magazine or associate with that
preacher because some people would not like it.” Often, their fear has
nothing to do with truth but the fear of losing the praise of
“influential” men. Young people have said, “If I stand up for Christ in
the classroom my peers will crucify me.” Some young (and old) people are
afraid to dress modestly, refute false doctrine or do the right thing
because of the harm it will bring to their reputation. When Christians
make such statements it proves they are not committed enough to Christ.
Jesus Himself said, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after
Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:38). Taking up our “cross”
and following Jesus means being willing to be crucified by the world for
the sake of our Lord (Romans 3:4).
“It may cause trouble.”
One of the biggest hang-ups some have in becoming Christians is the fear
their Christianity will cause trouble. Children may have to forsake the
beliefs of their parents to uncompromisingly follow Christ. Husbands and
wives may face great opposition from their spouses in obeying the
gospel. Some get so close to obedience and then say “It may cause
trouble in the family so I am going to cease studying the Bible and go
back to the old ways of sin.” Friends, if you avoid standing up for
Christ because “it may cause trouble” then you already have trouble!
Christ said, “He who loves father or mother more than me is not
worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not
worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). Recently, I even heard of a church
that revoked their invitation to a gospel meeting preacher because there
were two different positions taken on a subject within that church.
Their excuse to the preacher was, “Well, we just don’t want to cause
trouble.” Brethren, if people are not willing to study an issue to find
the truth and are clearly divided on the subject then you already have
trouble! 1 Corinthians 1:10 says, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing,
and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly
joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Why not
invite that preacher to have a public study on the issue instead of
sever the ties of fellowship?
“I don’t care.”
Christians can even be guilty of saying “I don’t care.” One may say, “I
don’t care about what Brother So and So thinks.” Others may say, “I
don’t care about your problems.” Some by their deeds prove they “don’t
care” as they fail to give to help support preachers and help with
benevolent needs. 1 Corinthians 12:25 says, “…the members should have
the same care one for another.” Be careful before you say you
“don’t care.”